Recently Fontana police arrested three men on suspicion of “viewing and distributing child pornography online.” For over a month, the police have been conducting three separate investigations to determine if the men were viewing and distributing the child pornography. KTLA News reported that as a result of the investigations, police arrested Leonel Zuniga-Zarza and Sebastian Hunter Bullard of Fontana and William Herbert Bealey of Rancho Cucamonga.

In the course of their investigations, officers found evidence that each of the men had downloaded child pornography images on to their electronic devices. The men have also been accused of distributing the pornographic images over the internet. All three are now facing child pornography charges.

In California, offenses involving child pornography are very serious. While there are several sections of the California Penal Code that deal with various forms of child pornography crimes, Section §311.1(a) covers possession of child pornography. Simply put, to be found guilty of this crime under CPC §311.1(a), you must: “send, cause to be sent, or make a sexual image or video recording of a person under eighteen,” or share, show, give, exchange or sell it to another person. Additionally, you have to know that the material presents someone under the age of eighteen in a sexual situation. A violation of section §311.1(a) is a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. As a result, consequences range from up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, to multiple years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Child pornography charges are very fact specific—which section of the code you are charged under and the severity of your consequences can depend on a variety of things such as if you tried to sell the material for commercial gain or even the age of the person you share it with. If you are facing child pornography charges of any kind, it is important to have the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney to assist in your case.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with Possession of Child Pornography, the experienced child pornography defense lawyers at Kann California Defense Group can analyze the facts of your case and plan a defense strategy that will help you obtain the very best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation. 888-744-7730.