Downloads you didn’t make, files you didn’t know existed, or malware can destroy your life. We challenge digital forensics and fight mandatory sentences. Time is critical—call now.
Few accusations carry the same level of legal and social consequence as those involving child pornography. Georgia law treats these offenses with the utmost severity, and if you’re under investigation—or have already been arrested—you could be facing years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your future.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we represent individuals charged with computer or electronic pornography, sexual exploitation of children, and related felony offenses throughout Coweta County and across Georgia. We understand the law, the stakes, and the importance of mounting an immediate and strategic defense.
In Georgia, child pornography laws are primarily governed by O.C.G.A. §§ 16-12-100, 16-12-100.1, and 16-12-100.2, collectively addressing sexual exploitation, electronic contact, and the possession, production, and distribution of obscene materials involving minors.
Under these laws, a person may be charged for:
The state defines a “child” as anyone under 16 years of age, and the law applies to photos, video, undeveloped film, saved computer data, or modified digital images of real children.
Here’s a breakdown of the main laws that apply to these cases:
Makes it a crime to knowingly possess, control, produce, distribute, or display any visual depiction of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This includes creating or soliciting the material, even without physical contact.
Criminalizes the use of computers, phones, or other electronic devices to:
This law also covers internet chat rooms, instant messaging, email, social media, and file-sharing networks.
Makes it illegal to send obscene material to minors via any electronic device, regardless of whether physical contact occurred.
These are common scenarios that result in criminal charges:
The intent to exploit—not just actual conduct—is enough to result in a felony indictment.
Georgia uses a detailed statutory definition of “obscene” under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80. Content that may trigger prosecution includes depictions of:
Even non-graphic nudity, if presented in a sexual context involving minors, can be considered obscene under the law.
Bibb County Carroll County Coweta County Fulton County Glynn County Spalding County
These are felony offenses—often considered among the most serious under Georgia law. Depending on the conduct and number of files involved, penalties may include:
Each file or image can be charged as a separate offense, meaning even a relatively small collection can result in dozens of felony counts.
In limited cases, the law permits a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony—particularly for teenage defendants who possess explicit images of another teenager close in age. The criteria typically include:
These cases are still serious, but they are handled differently from those involving adult offenders and exploitative intent.
Georgia law enforcement, often in coordination with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, aggressively investigates online sexual exploitation.
Investigations often involve:
Importantly, the involvement of law enforcement in online conversations or file exchanges does not constitute entrapment under Georgia law.
Facing these allegations doesn’t mean the case is hopeless. At J. Ryan Brown Law, we take a focused, trial-ready approach to defending clients charged with sexual exploitation or child pornography crimes.
We evaluate every angle of your case, including:
Was the warrant valid? Were your rights violated during the search or questioning? If law enforcement overstepped or mishandled evidence, it may be excluded.
In some cases, clients were unaware that illegal files were downloaded through file-sharing programs, virus infections, or shared household networks. We investigate:
Georgia law requires knowing and willful conduct. Accidental downloads, misidentified content, or lack of awareness may be used to rebut the State’s case.
Hacked accounts, spoofed IP addresses, or identity theft can all lead to false accusations.
Even before trial, these charges can have devastating consequences:
If convicted, most offenders must also register as sex offenders for life, which imposes severe restrictions on where you can live, work, or travel.
We don’t shy away from difficult cases. We’re experienced in defending clients against the most serious felony charges in Georgia—including those involving sensitive sexual allegations and digital evidence.
As a criminal defense firm serving Coweta County and beyond, we understand:
We believe in thorough preparation, clear communication, and smart legal action—not panic, judgment, or empty promises.
Schedule your Consultation Now
Even if you haven’t been arrested yet, if you’ve been contacted by law enforcement, received a subpoena, or suspect you’re being investigated—call a lawyer immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more options you may have.