If you are a member of a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network, you are considered both a consumer of information and a supplier on that network. If the content you are sharing includes photos, videos or other depictions of minors involved in sexually explicit activity, you could be in for a world of trouble. And by trouble, we mean state or federal sex offense charges.
Even an accidental download of child porn in a bulk download of perfectly legal adult porn can mean the feds will be knocking at your door. When they do, you need criminal defense help. And you need it now.
How does an accidental download of child porn or accidental distribution of child pornography happen? If you use any file-sharing software, like Shareaza, BitTorrent, Ares, BearShare or LimeWire, an update to your software could alter your privacy settings. That may mean that what was once a personal, unshareable folder is now open to the public. Once illegal images are moved from your folder to another, you may face distribution charges.
Distribution of child pornography through a peer-to-peer network, even if accidental, can quickly add up to substantial criminal charges. If ten people access just one file, you may face 10 separate distribution charges. If you’ve been caught with child pornography, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your rights and pursue any available defense. If you are facing distribution charges in the federal criminal justice system, you should find a sex crimes defense lawyer who also has experience in the federal courts.
For more information, please see: The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer Sharing: How Innocent Users Can Be Arrested for Illegal Child Pornography