Sexual exploitation of a minor is a severe offense in Maine with life-altering consequences. This crime involves persuading or enticing a minor into sexual acts, often aggravated by technology or travel. Convictions can lead to harsh penalties, including prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
If you’re facing these charges, it is critical to understand your legal options and act quickly. The Maine Criminal Defense Group has the experience and expertise to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and build a strong defense to pursue the best possible outcome.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
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Child pornography cases are rising in Maine
Maine has observed an increase in child pornography cases, influenced by evolving digital platforms and file-sharing technologies. Cases involving multiple explicit materials or content featuring very young children often lead to enhanced state charges. If the material includes extreme elements such as bestiality or violence, the severity of the charges escalates further.
Federal authorities pursue cases when substantial factors exist, like cross-state distribution or large-scale networks. In circumstances where both child solicitation and child pornography are involved, legal strategies become more complex, demanding focused defense approaches. Understanding these intricacies is crucial to addressing such allegations effectively.
What is exploitation of a Minor in Maine?
In Maine, sexual exploitation of a minor (17-A M.R.S. §282) occurs when someone knowingly uses or induces a child under 16 to engage in sexual acts for the purpose of creating pornography, or allows another person to do so.
It is a Class B felony punishable by a minimum of 5 years in prison, but can be elevated to a Class A felony with a mandatory minimum of 10 years if the child is under 12 or the accused has prior related convictions.
Limited exceptions may apply under Maine’s “Romeo and Juliet” law, but parents and guardians are never exempt from prosecution.
Child pornography defined in Maine
Maine law addresses child pornography within the broader context of crimes involving the exploitation of minors. It includes the creation, possession, distribution, or solicitation of explicit material involving minors under certain statutes.
Penalties for a child pornography conviction in Maine
In Maine, possession of sexually explicit material involving a minor—commonly referred to as child pornography—is a serious criminal offense prosecuted under 17-A M.R.S. §284. The severity of the charge depends on the age of the minor depicted, prior convictions, and other aggravating factors.
- Possession of sexually explicit material involving a minor under 16 is classified as a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,000.
- If the material involves a minor under 12 years of age, the offense is elevated to a Class C felony, carrying up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- Individuals with prior convictions for similar offenses face enhanced charges and more severe penalties, including increased prison time and longer mandatory registration periods.
A conviction for possessing or viewing child pornography in Maine also triggers mandatory registration as a sex offender, which imposes long-term restrictions on where you can live, work, or attend school. Offenders must update their registry information whenever they move or change employment, and the conviction details are publicly accessible.
In some cases, federal charges may apply, especially if the materials crossed state lines or were shared online, exposing the accused to significantly harsher federal sentencing.
Because of the lasting consequences of a conviction, it is critical to speak with an experienced Maine criminal defense attorney if you are being investigated or charged with possession of sexually explicit material.
Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act in Maine (§259-A)
Title 17-A §259-A, Solicitation of a child to commit a prohibited act, occurs when an individual knowingly engages in conduct intending to involve a child in unlawful sexual activities. This offense is classified as a Class D crime. Under Maine law, a person is guilty of this offense if:
- They are at least 16 years old.
- They know or believe the child is under 14 years old.
- They are at least three years older than the child they target.
The offense escalates to a Class C crime if:
- The individual soliciting the child knows or believes the child is less than 12 years old.
- The same age gap of at least three years applies.
Definition of prohibited acts
Maine law identifies “prohibited acts” as involving the following:
- Sexual acts: Defined by physical sexual activities as per legal statutes.
- Sexual contact: Non-consensual touching of private areas for sexual purposes.
- Sexual exploitation of a minor: Includes acts like producing, displaying, or distributing visual depictions of explicit conduct involving minors under section 282.
These classifications are central to enforcement and penalty guidelines for child solicitation and exploitation offenses.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
Federal Child Pornography Laws
Federal child pornography laws address crimes such as the production, distribution, possession, and receipt of explicit material involving minors. These laws impose strict penalties to combat and prevent exploitation. Cases are typically prosecuted at the federal level when they involve interstate communication, large-scale operations, or distribution through digital networks.
Under federal law, the production of child pornography can result in prison sentences ranging from 15 to 30 years for first-time offenders. Penalties increase for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors, such as violence or very young children. Distribution, receipt, or possession charges carry prison sentences of 5 to 20 years, depending on the circumstances.
Key prohibitions include using the Internet or any digital device to transmit or store child pornography and hiring or coercing minors into producing explicit content. Convictions often lead to mandatory sex offender registration and additional restrictions on employment, housing, and interactions with minors.
Federal laws apply strict liability standards, which means ignorance of a victim’s age is not a defense. Entrapment defenses may be possible if law enforcement induced you into committing the crime without prior intent. Federal prosecutions often seek severe consequences, especially in cases involving multiple victims or cross-state trafficking.
Defending a solicitation of a minor charge in Maine
Facing charges related to the solicitation of a minor can feel overwhelming, but understanding your legal options is critical. With the right defense strategy, you can challenge the evidence, question procedural errors, or argue entrapment if applicable. Each case is unique, so working closely with an experienced attorney ensures your defense is tailored to the specific circumstances.
Protecting your rights requires proactive action and a clear understanding of the laws at play. By seeking skilled legal representation, you can navigate the complexities of Maine’s legal system and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Defense Attorneys for help now
If you are facing charges for the sexual exploitation of a minor in Maine, taking swift legal action is essential. These cases carry severe consequences, but with an experienced defense strategy, you may be able to challenge the evidence, highlight procedural errors, or present mitigating factors.
Every case is unique, and working with a skilled attorney ensures a defense tailored to your specific circumstances. Protect your future by securing strong legal representation today. Call The Maine Criminal Defense Group at or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI/DUI & criminal defense attorneys, serving Maine, today.
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