IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A COMPUTER CRIME LEGAL DEFENDER

It is imperative that a person suspected or charged with child pornography hire the right attorney. All kinds of defensive issues can arise in computer searches, from whether the initial search warrant was legal and based on probable cause, to whether the computer forensics are valid. Contact expert computer crime defense attorneys at the Neal Davis Law Firm. Our Houston criminal defense law firm specializes in charges involving computer crimes, including child pornography and sex offenses. We can get you real help, right away

If you are innocent, being wrongly accused of possessing, making or distributing indecent images of children can be an extremely traumatic scenario. Whilst child pornography as a sexual offence breaks down into the above three charges, it’s vital that you understand what’s involved during an investigation of this challenging nature. Our unique advice and assistance will allow you to determine the best course of action to take. This insight may lead to an understanding of the impact that these allegations can have on your own life, as well as the people around you. Our experts classify the latter as “collateral damage.”

The fight against any allegation should begin as soon as you believe you have been accused of breaking the law by committing a sexual offence. With the possibility of imprisonment, impact on reputation, Sexual Offences Prevention Order and having your name added to the Sexual Offender Register, cases can be both complex and ongoing. In some instances, it may take 18 months for a case to reach a conclusion. This might be a decision to prosecute or no further action (NFA). However, each case will vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the allegations made and legal defences. In Your Defence are specialist lawyers, daily advising suspects as to the best option in all the prevailing circumstances.

The UK Home Secretary and Conservative politician, Theresa May, has outlined plans to amend existing procedures, so that sexual offence cases are resolved within a shorter timeframe. A six-month limit has been suggested by politicians, government agencies and our own lawyers. At present however, the timespan of all individual cases varies across the 43 police forces of England and Wales. Cases are supposed to be resolved with ‘due expedition.’ The latest position adopted by the Home Secretary is that there should be a maximum of six months on bail, but it is unclear as to whether this will include the modern approach of being ‘under investigation’ after an initial ‘voluntary’ interview under caution.

Child Pornography - The Investigation Process

During the investigation stage, the police should require evidence to back up any claims that you are involved with the possession, making or distribution of indecent images of children.

To obtain this, they can apply to a magistrate for a warrant to search premises. This is nearly always granted and you may be awoken with a dawn raid on your home or business address. Whilst executing their search, the police would have the power to seize computers, hard drives, tablets, mobile phones and other devices which they believe may contain evidence of child pornography or extreme pornography.

The examination of this equipment can take a long time and the wait for an outcome during this process can be excruciating. Some days, individuals on bail or under suspicion may be depressed by the mere fact that the investigation is hanging over them like a ‘Sword of Damacles.’Please be alert to the possibility of the police making initial contact with you with the intent of arranging an ‘informal or voluntary chat’. This usually results in a formal interview under caution at a police station or custody centre if you decide to accept the request. It is crucial that a suspect contacts a specialist law company, such as in Your Defence Ltd, as soon as there is the merest hint or notification of police interest.

Whist any allegations relating to child pornography can be extremely stressful, there are a vast number of implications associated with this type of crime. Besides the threat of imprisonment, and registration as a sex offender, a sexual offences case can result in serious collateral damage and social stigma. Alienation from family, friends and business colleagues is commonplace. Often the only support is the extremely confidential service provided by In Your Defence Ltd, Solicitors. The process of an investigation may affect your whole life, making it extremely difficult to cope, maintain and secure future employment. If mentioned in the media or the details released, there may be a reaction from the local community.

Other damaging implications to you and those around you as a result of any allegations can include:

• Feelings of depression or suicide

• Pressure on close friends and family

• Social services and schools being alerted

• Restrictions on operating your own business

• Child contact issues • Strain on support services and the NHS

• Informal conditions being set by the authorities

• Children being interviewed for clues/evidence

• Authorities instructing you to move out of the family home

The strain and pressure you can experience from this situation can last for a number of months or years, even once a case is concluded and you try to rebuild your life.

1. 
   http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/mod/mod_dumpio.html
   
2. 
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3. 
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4. 
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5. 
   Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) for Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring countries, http://www.apnic.net/
   
6. 
   Latin America and Caribbean Network Information Centre (LACNIC) for Latin America and parts of the Caribbean region, http://www.lacnic.net/en/web/lacnic/inicio
   
7. 
   Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) for Europe, Russia, http://http://www.ripe.net/
   
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