No matter what type of criminal charge a person is facing, a conviction can have long-lasting consequences. There are the more obvious penalties that can result, such as a prison sentence or probation. But some of the less obvious consequences impact a person’s personal life.
A Wisconsin man will soon discover how his life will change after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. He was originally charged with 10 counts of child pornography possession after his arrest earlier this month.
There are few details on what led to the man’s arrest. He was likely the focus of an investigation that resulted in a raid on his home. During the raid, it appears that agents searched his computer and discovered a number of files that led to the child pornography charges.
Though he faced 10 criminal charges, nine of those charges were eventually dismissed. This type of criminal charge comes with a possible 25-year prison sentence. However in this case, the man may be sentenced to either a three-year probation period or three years in prison.
No matter what the length of a possible prison sentence, it is no doubt that the man’s life will change. However he is still waiting for the sentencing decision. But one thing is certain: the man will have to register as a sex offender because of the criminal conviction.
Being required to register as a sex offender, the man can potentially be branded as a sex offender for the rest of his life. This can dictate where he lives, works and even spends his free time.
Anyone who finds himself or herself in a similar situation should speak with someone who understands the implications of a criminal conviction. This can help minimize the long-term consequences that one may face.
Source: Wausau Daily Herald, “Custer man pleads guilty to child porn charge,” Nick Paulson, Feb. 3, 2012