2023 Child Pornography (Hillsborough County)

Facts: Our client was arrested for 100 counts of child pornography based on a cyber tip generated by Snapchat. Based on the images and the number of counts our client scored a lowest permissible sentence of 1,400+ months in department of corrections and he had no criminal history whatsoever.

Results: We immediately had our client sit down with a doctor for an evaluation and get enrolled in sex offender treatment. Through this treatment our client was diagnosed with a mental disorder and began receiving treatment specific to that diagnosis. The state’s best offer was 8 years in prison, so our client decided to enter a plea to the court and ask for leniency. At the hearing we presented expert testimony, case law, and extensive research into our client’s mental condition. The State argued at sentencing that our client did not meet criteria for a departure from the guidelines. However, based on our argument and the presentation of evidence the judge agreed with us that a departure was appropriate and sentenced our client to 5 years in the department of corrections.