Crimes That Fall Under Child Exploitation

Child exploitation is a general umbrella under which many crimes against children fall. The following is a list of some of the crimes that fall under child exploitation laws:

•    Child pornography;
•    Child labor (depending on the age of the child and the circumstances of the labor);
•    Trafficking of children;
•    Statutory rape;
•    Incest with children;
•    Luring children; and
•    Sexual molestation and other sexual crimes against children.

Child Pornography

Federal law prohibits use, production, and distribution of child pornography in any transaction occurring in foreign or interstate commerce. Almost all instances in which the Internet is used for child pornography fall within the definition of interstate commerce. Child pornography is a felony offense, punishable by five to twenty years of incarceration and monetary fines.  Prison terms may be even longer if the defendant has prior sex crime convictions or other charges accompanying the child pornography charge. Also, multiple counts for this offense can be charged at the same time based on the circumstances of the case.

Child Sexual Exploitation

Both federal and state laws prohibit sexual abuse against children. Federal law imposes a punishment of up to 15 years of imprisonment and/or a monetary fine. State laws vary as to punishment terms, but most states also treat such actions with harsh punishment schemes. Sex crimes against children that result in convictions generally carry with them the requirement to register as a sex offender. This punishment often follows the convicted person for their lifetime.

Child Labor Exploitation

Both federal and state laws prohibit kidnapping. Child labor exploitation often involves kidnapping. Forced child servitude constitutes slavery, which is against the law. Using violence or threats of abuse to force children to work constitutes child labor exploitation. The age of the child and the type of work they are being forced to engage in will determine whether the acts are criminal, and if so, the extent of any potential punishment.

All of these crimes are serious and a conviction for any of them can result in serious penalties. Thus, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you with your case.

Punishment

Punishment for child exploitation conviction varies by state and federal law and will depend on the severity of the crime, but often includes a combination of incarceration, fines, mandatory treatment, mandatory counseling and mandatory sexual offender registration. A criminal defense attorney can advise you of the punishment scheme in your particular situation.

Getting Legal Help

If you find yourself faced with criminal charges of child exploitation, a criminal defense lawyer can help you by handling the legal process for you. A lawyer will understand the intricacies of your case and help you navigate the legal system.