Some people may wonder why someone can be arrested for simply possessing child pornography, thinking that as long as one is simply viewing images, they aren’t actually committing a crime. What’s lost in that viewpoint is that by viewing the images, the viewer is perpetuating the crimes that were originally perpetrated on those children, essentially acting as a de-facto participant. Beyond that, law enforcement often recognizes the potential link between child pornography and its being an influence leading to child molestation.
Police recently arrested a Wisconsin Dells man for having child pornography in his possession. Along with pornographic images he had stored electronically, the man was also found to possess hard copy images and children’s underwear. While it’s unknown how the man was initially identified as a suspect, police have discovered significant evident to charge him with 10 separate counts of child pornography possession.
To be arrested and convicted of possessing child pornography can carry with it serious criminal penalties. One may be ultimately be required to register as a convicted sex offender, branding him or her for life and assigning him or her a social stigma that an immediately raise suspicion and concern amongst friends, neighbors, and potentially the entire community.
In the event that someone is arrested for a sex crime such as child pornography possession, he or she should be aware of the potential penalties that accompany the charges. A criminal defense attorney with experience in representing defendants charged with sex crimes may be a helpful ally to have during the criminal proceedings.
Source: Madison.com “Wisconsin Dells man arrested for alleged possession of child porn” Bill Novak, Sep. 03, 2013