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Child Exploitation

Child Exploitation

A variety of different crimes can fall under the umbrella term of ‘child exploitation.’ From sexual abuse, child pornography and trafficking, a variety or criminal acts involving children can be described as child exploitation. If you or somebody you love is being charged any kind of crime related to child exploitation, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer swiftly to get the ball rolling on your defense. Don’t wait and think that hiring a lawyer will make you look guilty, nothing could jeopardize your case faster.

What is Child Exploitation?

Child exploitation is a broad term that can describe a variety of behaviors and practices involving minors, or children under the age of 18, in the State of Mississippi. At its most basic definition though, the exploitation of a child can be described as using that child for some type of financial gain, status improvement or sexual gratification. In addition to Mississippi State laws, a case involving child exploitation is likely to involve federal charges as well. Listed below are just a few different types of federal crime involving the exploitation of a child.

Federal Crimes Involving Child Exploitation

  • Child pornography
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children
  • Obscenity
  • Prostitution of children
  • Child trafficking

Child Exploitation Involving Pornography

Just about any type of involvement with child pornography is considered child exploitation. From the very top of the ladder, where people are soliciting or forcing children into sexual acts on film or video to the consumer at the bottom, purchasing or having the materials in his or her possession. This also includes having pornographic images involving children on one’s computer. Manufacturing and distributing child pornography is not taken lightly by the State of Mississippi or the Federal government either, so if you’ve been charged, seek legal counsel immediately.

Child Sexual Abuse and Trafficking

Any time a child is persuaded, induced, enticed, coerced or made to engage in some type of sexual act, that’s child exploitation. This can also include parents, caregivers or guardians who use or employ minors to engage in sexual acts or the transport of children with the intent to use them or provide them for sexual acts.

Child Exploitation on the Internet

In the digital age, child exploitation has been taken to whole new level. It also means that there is an enormous amount of room for error on the side of law enforcement and investigative authorities. With newly emerging technology and investigative procedures, a case involving child exploitation on the internet can quickly become complicated. This can include charges like soliciting a minor, child pornography or distribution of child pornography online. A wide variety of charges involving online activity can fall under the umbrella of child exploitation.

I Don’t Want to Look Guilty

Few charges and crimes are more damaging to one’s credibility and good name than child abuse, exploitation, child pornography or some similar charge. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see people shy away from speaking with or hiring attorneys as soon as they’re being investigated, arrested or charged. The stigma that speaking with or hiring a lawyer somehow makes you look guilty is outdated and exactly the type of environment law enforcement officers want to cultivate, but it comes down to the simple fact, that nobody is going to look out for your rights, if you’re not proactive about seeking counsel.

When to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re currently being investigated for child exploitation, or if you have been arrested and charged, you need to call a lawyer immediately. Don’t count on the public defender to have the time or money to work on your cause. You also don’t want to be sitting in jail any longer than you have to with a child sexual charge hanging over you. You need a lawyer on your case that knows the gravity of your situation and that is willing to fight for your rights. The sooner you call a lawyer, the better. You do have the right against self incrimination. Politely refusing to answer a law enforcement officer’s questions without your lawyer present is well within your legal rights, and is fully recommended.

After a Child Exploitation Arrest

If you have been arrested for some type of child exploitation, no matter what the situation or circumstances of your case, contact the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for a case consultation today. Our lawyers are standing by to help you get through this difficult time.

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