Like most other states, it is illegal in North Carolina to create, possess, or distribute any kind of child pornography. The state qualifies these crimes as the sexual exploitation of a child and classifies them as a felony, requiring those convicted to register as sex offenders. If you are facing these charges, it is important to be aware of the North Carolina jail sentence for child porn and to hire a child pornography lawyer who can fight for your rights and freedoms.
Punishments for Child Pornography Charges in North Carolina
There were 1,375 cases of child pornography reported in the United States in 2024. There are three main crimes in child pornography that an individual in North Carolina can be charged with, each accompanied by their own penalties. These three crimes include:
Possession of child pornography. If an individual is caught possessing any kind of child pornography, this is considered a Class H felony in North Carolina. If you are convicted of this crime, you can likely face:
- Four to 25 months of prison, if you are a first-time offender
- If you have prior convictions, then your sentence will be longer
- Mandatory sex offender registry
Distribution of child pornography. It is likewise illegal to be found transporting, receiving, or distributing any kind of child pornography in North Carolina. This is considered a Class E felony, and penalties for a conviction can include:
- 15 to 63 months in prison
- Increased prison time for repeat offenders
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
Production of child pornography. Producing child pornography is the most serious of these crimes in North Carolina and is considered a Class C felony. The penalties can include:
- 44 to 182 months in prison
- Significantly longer sentences for individuals who already have a criminal history
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
If you or a loved one has been charged with any of these crimes related to child pornography, your very future is at stake. You should not take this on yourself; rather, hire an aggressive litigator like Ashley Cannon, Attorney at Law.
About Ashley Cannon, Attorney at Law
As a former prosecutor, Ashley Cannon, Attorney at Law, knows how both sides of a courtroom work. After years of witnessing court overreach and civil rights violations, she switched to defense and hasn’t looked back since. Unlike any other firm in the area, her offices also employ a private, in-house investigator with over 28 years of law enforcement experience. With so much at stake, you need a team that is ready to stop at nothing in your defense.
Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been accused of child pornography in North Carolina, it is important that you reach out to a trusted criminal defense attorney. At Ashley Cannon, Attorney at Law, we are here to fight for you, whatever your case entails. The sentences for a child pornography charge are harsh, and you need a legal advocate who is not afraid to head into a courtroom and fight for you. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
