What Are Indecent Images Charges?
In today’s digital age, with the extensive use of social media and internet sharing sites, charges related to indecent images have become increasingly common. These offences can occur under various circumstances, including the use of shared computers or accidentally accessing inappropriate content.Types of Indecent Images Charges
- Possession of Indecent Images: This charge involves having indecent pictures or photographs of a criminal nature stored on your home computer, personal device, or any electronic device. Possession charges apply regardless of whether the images were made with the subject’s consent.
- Distribution of Indecent Images: This includes sharing or disseminating indecent images through various means. Even downloading an indecent image can lead to a distribution charge, as the act of downloading is considered “making” the image on the device it is saved to.
- Making Indecent Images: This charge often overlaps with distribution, as making an image can involve downloading or creating the image on any device.
Key Considerations in Indecent Images Cases
- Knowledge and Intent: A crucial factor in these cases is whether the accused had knowledge of the images on their device. Shared devices can complicate this issue, but lack of knowledge alone does not guarantee a not-guilty verdict. Conversely, awareness of the image does not automatically imply guilt.
- Severity of the Images: Charges become particularly severe when the images involve children under 18. Courts will consider the nature and content of the images and the accused’s intentions behind possessing or distributing them.
Sentencing Guidelines for Indecent Images Charges
The severity of the sentence depends on the category of the indecent images:- Category A: Images involving penetrative activity, sadism, or sexual activity with animals.
- Category B: Images depicting non-penetrative sexual activity.
- Category C: Images that involve erotic posing, focusing on sexual organs.
What to Do if Charged with Possession of Indecent Images
If you or a family member are accused of possessing, distributing, or making indecent images, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately. At Fahrenheit Law Firm, we provide expert guidance to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Provide as much detail about your case as possible so we can offer tailored and effective legal support.Important Key Search Terms for Related Cases
- Sexual images found on my computer
- Child porn found on my computer
- Police have seized my computer
- Can I delete my search history on my device?
- Arrested for child images
