Possession of Child Pornography | Tarrant County Sex Crimes Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested or accused of a possession of a child pornography charge or other sex crime in Tarrant County, Texas? Being accused or arrested for possession of child pornography is serious matter and you need an experienced Fort Worth sex crime lawyer in Tarrant County to help in your defense.

Our criminal lawyers at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC are all former prosecutors, with vast experience representing clients accused of sexual assault. Partner Colin McLaughlin is a former prosecutor assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit at the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office.  Colin is also Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Managing Partner Bryan Hoeller is a former felony prosecutor in Tarrant County and Dallas County, Texas.  Bryan has been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters in each of the past two years (he was previously a Super Lawyers Rising Star).  Partner Dustin Trammel is also a former Tarrant County prosecutor, has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in each of the last years, and is also a US Army Veteran.

Our Strategy in Fighting Your Charge:

Our strategy at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC is simple: Be 100% committed to holding the State of Texas to the highest burden of proof – Beyond a Reasonable Doubt. That includes:

  1. Case Review & Investigation: The first part of the our defense starts with a thorough evaluation and investigation into the criminal allegation, including investigating the background of any potential witness to the case (criminal history or any past history that would help in your defense), reviewing for possible defenses (i.e. self-defense), and determining if the State can even prove their charge.
  2. Expert Analysis: If necessary, our strategy also involves getting the best investigators and experts throughout the Country to aid in your defense (DNA Experts, Blood Experts, Fingerprint Experts, Computer Forensic Experts, Former Police Officers, Detectives, FBI Agents, Etc.)
  3. Mitigation: Any proper defense includes helping our clients put themselves in the best light to be viewed by the State, the Judge, or a potential jury.  This includes making sure our clients are getting the proper treatment, if necessary, or being proactive about mitigating any damage.

Specific to Possession of Child Pornography cases, we may look at:

  1. Is it actually child pornography?
  2. Can you they prove the ages of the actors in the photos/videos (key element)?
  3. Where did they find the child porn?
  4. Did they legally seize the evidence?
  5. Can they link you to the charges?
  6. Do other people have access?
  7. Did you talk to law enforcement about the charges?

Recent Results on Sex Crimes and Sex Crime Related Offenses in Tarrant County, Texas:

  1. Case Reduced to a Misdemeanor – High Profile Client was charged with sexual assault.  After presenting evidence to the District Attorney’s Office, the case was reduced to a misdemeanor offense and will end up DISMISSED (no registration and can be sealed later on).
  2. Jury Trial in Tarrant County for Indecency with a Child – Case was DISMISSED mid-trial after our cross-examination.
  3. Grand Jury No Bill (Case Dropped). Client charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault. Our firm communicated with the State and presented evidence to the State to be presented to a Grand Jury.  The case was No Billed (Dropped).  It will be eligible for an expunction.
  4. Grand Jury No Bill (Case Dropped). Client charged with Sexual Assault. Our firm put on a Grand Jury defense packet and our client testified in front of the Grand Jury and the case was No Billed (Dropped). It will be eligible for an expunction.
  5. Grand Jury No Bill (Case Dropped). Client charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault. Our firm communicated with the State and the case ended up No Billed by the Grand Jury.
  6. Deferred Adjudication on Possession of Child Pornography (Multiple Counts). Client charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography.  The State was asking for prison time.  We made recommendations to our clients and presented the case to the Court. The Court granted our client deferred adjudication, which means the case could be DISMISSED if our client successfully completes it (no prison time).
  7. Grand Jury No Bill (Case Dropped). Client charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child – Continuous and was facing 25-99/Life. Our firm put on a defense presentation to the Grand Jury and the case was No Billed.
  8. Grand Jury No Bill (Case Dropped): Client charged with Sexual Assault of a Child and was facing 2-20 years in prison and lifetime registration. Our firm put on a defense presentation to the Grand Jury and the case was No Billed.
  9. Grand Jury No Bill  (Case Dropped) & Expunction (Erased). Client charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child – Continuous in 2015 and was facing 25-99/Life. Our firm investigated the allegations and the DNA results ultimately exonerated our client. In 2018, we were able to Petition the Court for an Expunction, which was granted. Client’s record is now erased from the public.
  10. Grand Jury No Bill (Dropped): Client charged with Sexual Assault (Adult). Our firm put on a defense presentation, including a passed polygraph test, to the Grand Jury and the case was No Billed.
  11. Case Reduced to Non-Registerable Offense. Client charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. After extensive investigation, the State agreed to reduce the case to an offense that allowed our client to get his case dismissed and will not require them to have to register as a sex offender.
  12. Case Dropped by CPS/Law Enforcement. Client accused of Sexual Assault of a Child. After assisting our client communicate and provide information to investigators, the case was dropped.
  13. Grand Jury No Bill (Dropped). Client charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was facing 25-99/Life. Our firm put on a defense presentation to the Grand Jury and the case was No Billed (Dropped).

Sex Offender Registration

When you are charged and plead guilty (or are found guilty) to possession of child pornography charges, under Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, you are required to register as a sex offender.  This is mandatory and cannot be negotiated or waived by the Judge or the State.

The only way to avoid having to register is to get the case dismissed, no billed by a Grand Jury, or reduced to a lesser offense that does not require registration.  For example, sometimes it is possible to get the State to agree to plea deal on a lesser charge, which does not necessarily require sex offender registration.  This is why it is very important to have the right lawyer fighting your case because we have been able to get indecency with a child cases dropped or reduced, helping our clients avoid registration, lengthy prison or probation sentences, and extensive conditions.

Connect with a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney on your Possession of Child Pornography Charge

If you’ve found yourself facing a possession of child pornography charge and are frantically Googling criminal defense attorney Tarrant County or something similar, don’t panic.

We know this is a tough situation to be in, but you still have options. The best way to make sure that those options are in your favor is by hiring an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and help you navigate the confusing legal process.

Our firm provides quality legal services to clients throughout Tarrant County. It’s important to remember that every case is different, and even if you feel completely hopeless about yours, there are ways to protect yourself from harsh consequences and maybe even have some of these charges reduced or dropped.

If you need a Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer on your side during this difficult time, please contact Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC by calling 817-334-7900 or by filling out the following online contact form.