Scheiner Sex Crimes

Sugar Land Child Pornography Defense Attorney

Child pornography charges in Sugar Land, Texas carry some of the harshest penalties in the Texas criminal justice system. A single accusation can trigger an aggressive investigation that moves faster than most people expect.

Police and prosecutors in Fort Bend County treat these cases as top priorities, often dedicating significant resources to building their case against you before you even know you’re under investigation.

With over 30 years experience, our award-winning Sugar Land child pornography defense lawyers understand the technical and legal complexities of these cases. We know how prosecutors build these cases, what forensic evidence actually proves, and how to challenge the government’s assumptions at every stage.

If you’re facing investigation or charges for CP, our child pornography defense attorneys in Sugar Land can provide the immediate, strategic defense you need to protect your rights and your future. Contact us today for consultation with our skilled legal team.

What Counts as Child Porn Under Texas Law

Texas Penal Code § 43.26 defines child pornography as visual material showing anyone under 18 engaged in sexual conduct. The law covers far more than traditional photographs or videos.

Visual material includes any format that stores or displays images. This means digital files, cloud storage data, USB drives, or even temporary browser files can lead to charges. Prosecutors only need to prove you knowingly possessed the material, meaning you knew it existed and understood its nature.

The “possession” standard is surprisingly broad. Digital files on your computer, images in temporary browser caches, files stored in cloud accounts, or even deleted data that forensic analysts can recover, all of these can form the basis for criminal charges.

Texas Penal Code § 43.26 applies to any visual material depicting anyone under 18 in sexual conduct, and prosecutors need only prove you knowingly possessed it. This means even unintentional downloads, files from years ago, or content you thought was deleted can lead to prosecution.

Charges and Penalties in Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and convictions carry devastating consequences that extend far beyond prison time. The specific charge depends on your alleged conduct.

Possession charges are third-degree felonies with 2 to 10 years in prison plus fines up to $10,000.
Promotion or distribution charges become second-degree felonies carrying 2 to 20 years imprisonment.
Production charges often result in first-degree felony convictions with sentences ranging from 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

These penalties represent only the beginning of your legal troubles. A Texas sex crime conviction triggers mandatory sex offender registration and destroys employment prospects, housing options, and family relationships.

Falsely accused of possession or promotion of child porn? Contact our experienced Sugar Land child pornography defense lawyers today.

Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Requirements

Any child pornography conviction in Texas requires lifetime registration as a sex offender. This obligation begins immediately upon release and never expires without extraordinary legal intervention.

Registration creates a public record containing your name, address, photograph, and offense details. Anyone can search this database online, including potential employers, landlords, and neighbors.

The registration system imposes severe restrictions on where you can live and work:

Housing limitations: You cannot live within specified distances of schools, parks, or daycare centers
Employment barriers: Most employers refuse to hire registered individuals, especially for positions requiring public trust
Travel restrictions: You must report any overnight stays outside your home county
Internet monitoring: Law enforcement tracks your online activities and social media accounts

Missing any registration deadline becomes a separate felony charge that can send you back to prison.

When Cases Become Federal Prosecutions

Child pornography cases can be prosecuted in either state or federal court, with federal charges typically carrying harsher penalties. Federal jurisdiction applies when alleged crimes cross state lines or involve internet activity.

Federal prosecutors often target internet sex crimes involving large file collections or distribution networks. They have unlimited resources and pursue mandatory minimum sentences that offer little flexibility.

Jurisdiction	Minimum Sentence	Maximum Sentence	Parole Eligibility
Texas State Court	2 years	20 years	Available after 25% served
Federal Court	5-15 years	Life imprisonment	Limited or none

Federal cases also require separate registration under different rules that are often more restrictive than Texas requirements. Early legal intervention can sometimes keep cases in state court where outcomes may be more favorable.

How Police Investigate These Cases

Law enforcement uses sophisticated technology to identify suspects in child pornography investigations, following specific procedures for how police catch people with child porn in Texas. Internet service providers and cloud storage companies automatically scan for illegal content and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Police monitor file-sharing networks and track IP addresses associated with illegal downloads. They also conduct undercover operations in chat rooms and online forums to identify potential offenders.

Once investigators identify a suspect, they seek search warrants for electronic devices. Officers may also attempt “knock and talk” visits, appearing at your door to request voluntary searches and statements. These conversations can provide crucial evidence for prosecution even when no warrant exists.

Computer forensic analysts then examine seized devices for any trace of illegal material, including deleted files and temporary internet data.

Available Defense Strategies

Every case contains potential weaknesses that experienced attorneys can exploit. The prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt, and gaps in their evidence can lead to dismissals or acquittals.

Constitutional Violations

Police must follow strict procedures when investigating these cases. If officers conducted illegal searches, exceeded warrant authority, or violated your Miranda rights, our Sugar Land sex crime lawyers can file motions to suppress evidence. Without legally obtained evidence, prosecutors cannot proceed with their case.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

The law requires proof that you knowingly possessed illegal material. Accidental downloads caused by malware, viruses, or automatic pop-ups may not satisfy this requirement. We investigate technical explanations for how files appeared on your devices.

Third-Party Access

If other people had access to your computers, internet connection, or online accounts, prosecutors cannot prove you were responsible for downloading illegal content. We examine who else might have used your devices or network.

Age and Content Disputes

Prosecutors must prove that images actually depict real minors. Computer-generated images or adults who appear young cannot support convictions. We work with experts to challenge the government’s evidence about ages and authenticity.

Critical Steps After Police Contact

Your immediate response to law enforcement contact can determine your case outcome. Every decision matters, and mistakes made early often cannot be corrected later.

Never consent to searches or questioning. Police have no obligation to tell you the truth about evidence or consequences. Politely state: “I invoke my right to remain silent and want to speak with my attorney.”

Preserve all electronic devices and data. Do not delete files, clear browser history, or destroy equipment. These actions can be charged as obstruction of justice and may eliminate evidence that could prove your innocence.

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Board-certified specialists have the expertise needed for these complex cases. Time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Our Defense Approach in Sugar Land

We respond immediately when clients face these serious allegations. Our team includes Board-certified criminal law specialists with decades of experience defending sex crime cases in Fort Bend County.

We partner with leading computer forensic experts who conduct independent analysis of digital evidence in child pornography and child sexual abuse cases. This allows us to challenge prosecution claims about file origins, download dates, and user activity.

Our investigation process examines every aspect of the government’s case. We review search warrant applications, interview procedures, and forensic analysis methods to identify constitutional violations or technical errors.

Pre-charge intervention involves presenting evidence to prosecutors before charges are filed. Motion practice challenges illegally obtained evidence.
Expert testimony explains technical defenses to judges and juries.
Negotiation from positions of strength can secure favorable outcomes when appropriate.

Why Choose Our Firm

Scheiner Law Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers brings unmatched experience to these high-stakes cases. Grant Scheiner is Board-certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Our firm has defended clients against serious criminal charges for over 30 years. Attorney Grant Scheiner has been recognized by reputable professional organizations for our work in criminal defense.

We limit our caseload to ensure personalized attention for every client. Our Sugar Land location and Fort Bend County courthouse experience provide local knowledge that can make the difference in your case outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cached Internet Files Lead to Criminal Charges?

Yes, Texas law allows prosecution based on temporary internet files or thumbnail images if prosecutors prove you knowingly accessed the content. Browser caches and automatic downloads can provide evidence for criminal charges.

Should I Allow Police to Search My Home Without a Warrant?

Never consent to warrantless searches of your property or electronic devices. Politely refuse and request that your attorney be present for any questioning or searches.

Does Deferred Adjudication Avoid Sex Offender Registration?

No, deferred adjudication for child pornography offenses still requires sex offender registration in Texas. The registration obligation applies regardless of whether you receive a final conviction.

Where Are Fort Bend County Cases Heard?

Felony criminal cases are prosecuted at the Fort Bend County Justice Center located at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, Texas. All major hearings and trials occur at this facility.

Can You Prevent Federal Prosecution?

Through early intervention and negotiation with prosecutors, we work to keep cases in state court where sentencing options are typically more favorable than federal alternatives.

What Bond Conditions Should I Expect?

Courts commonly impose strict conditions including no internet access, GPS monitoring, and prohibitions on contact with minors. We fight for reasonable conditions that allow you to maintain employment and family relationships.

Skilled Sex Offender Defense Law Firm in Sugar Land, Texas

Child pornography accusations can destroy your life within hours of the first police contact. You need experienced legal representation that understands both the technical and legal complexities of these cases.

Our Sugar Land office provides immediate response to clients throughout Fort Bend County. We offer confidential consultations to help you understand your options and begin building your defense.

False accusations do not have to result in convictions. With proper legal representation, you can protect your rights and fight for your future.