What are the penalties do people face if they are convicted of possessing child pornography? What are the present and long term consequences of being convicted of an Internet crime? How do penalties as a convicted sex offender differ from penalties as an individual convicted of child pornography? A Milwaukee teacher who was recently charged with possession of child pornography may be asking these and other similar questions.
A teacher for a Milwaukee school faces charges relating to child pornography after a child found pictures on the teacher’s cell phone. Police reports say that the cell phone contained pictures of naked underage girls. Police say that when the child found the phone, it was immediately removed. Police arrested the teacher at the school. According to police, a search at the teacher’s home revealed over a thousand pictures of naked adults and naked children. The teacher faces two counts of possession of child pornography.
A person convicted of an Internet crime such as possession of child pornography may face the same penalties as a person convicted of a sex offense not involving the Internet. For example, an Internet sex crime conviction could mean that the defendant is required to register for the state’s sex offender registry. According to reports, the Milwaukee teacher could face penalties, which includes a prison sentence of more than 20 years and a fine that is tens of thousands of dollars. If convicted, these penalties may affect the teacher’s ability to find future employment and where he may reside.
A defendant accused of an Internet crime such as possession of child pornography faces serious consequences; therefore, a defendant charged with an Internet crime should be aware of all their rights so that they may have a meaningful defense. It is important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: Fox 6 Now, “Brown Deer man charged with possession of child porn,” Cary Docter and Bret Buganski, Jan. 24, 2013