Facing a child pornography charge is among the most serious and stigmatized criminal allegations a person can encounter. The legal penalties are severe, and the social consequences can be life-altering, even before a case goes to trial. At Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., we provide strategic, discreet, and focused defense for clients charged with possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography in Sarasota and throughout Florida. With over 20 years of courtroom experience and Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, attorney Anthony G. Ryan is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom.
Understanding Child Pornography Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 827.071, child pornography offenses are broadly defined and aggressively prosecuted. This statute criminalizes multiple actions involving minors (defined as individuals under 18), including:
- Possession of Child Pornography: A third-degree felony under § 827.071(5), punishable by up to five years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Promotion or Distribution: Knowingly promoting, distributing, or transmitting child pornography can be charged as a second-degree felony under § 827.071(4), punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Producing or Directing: Creating or producing child pornography is a first-degree felony under § 827.071(3) and may carry up to 30 years in prison.
- Possession of More than 10 Images of Child Pornography Depicting Different Minors: This triggers enhanced penalties and can escalate charges.
Additionally, federal charges may apply in cases involving interstate communications or online transmissions, often investigated by agencies like Homeland Security or the FBI.
Conviction on any of these charges typically requires registration as a sex offender, which carries strict residency, employment, and reporting restrictions for life.
The Stakes Are High—But You Still Have Rights
An accusation is not a conviction. Child pornography cases often involve complex digital evidence, such as computer hard drives, cloud storage, and internet activity. Investigations can include months of surveillance or undercover activity. However, constitutional safeguards still apply. Law enforcement must obtain proper warrants, follow proper search and seizure procedures, and prove that you knowingly and intentionally committed the alleged offense.
Attorney Anthony G. Ryan takes immediate steps to scrutinize the government’s case, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and explore every legal and factual avenue to defend his clients.
Defending Against Child Pornography Allegations
Each child pornography case is fact-specific and often turns on digital evidence. Common legal defenses may include:
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: For instance, evidence unintentionally downloaded or unknowingly stored in a shared folder.
- Illegal Search or Seizure: Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be excluded from trial.
- Mistaken Identity: Particularly in cases involving shared computers or hacked accounts.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove that the images meet the legal definition of child pornography and that the defendant knowingly possessed or transmitted them.
At the Law Offices of Anthony G. Ryan, we work closely with digital forensic experts to analyze the integrity of the evidence and challenge improper assumptions made by law enforcement or prosecutors.
A Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorney on Your Side
Attorney Anthony G. Ryan is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar—an achievement held by a small percentage of attorneys statewide. This distinction reflects demonstrated competence in courtroom advocacy and substantial criminal trial experience.
Clients of the firm benefit from Mr. Ryan’s depth of knowledge, one-on-one attention, and strategic approach to high-stakes defense. Every case is handled personally by Mr. Ryan, not passed off to a junior associate. From the outset, he develops a customized legal strategy built around the facts of your case, your goals, and the applicable law.
Discreet, Effective Representation When It Matters Most
We understand the sensitive nature of these charges and the damage they can do to your personal and professional life, even in the absence of a conviction. Our office handles these matters with the utmost discretion, professionalism, and urgency. Time is critical. The earlier you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome at trial.
If you’ve been charged with or are under investigation for child pornography in Sarasota or anywhere in Florida, don’t wait to seek experienced legal counsel. Contact Anthony G. Ryan, P.A., today for a confidential consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward with a strong, strategic defense.
