Production of Child Pornography for Import Into the United States in Tampa, FL

Facing charges for the production of child pornography for import into the United States is among the most serious and high-stakes federal criminal offenses prosecuted in Tampa, Florida. These cases are aggressively pursued by the U.S. Department of Justice and often involve multiple federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged with this offense, it is critical to understand the legal landscape, the consequences involved, and the importance of retaining a skilled Tampa lawyer for production of child pornography for import into the US. At Hanlon Law, we are committed to defending the rights of individuals accused of federal sex crimes and providing a strong, strategic legal defense designed to protect your freedom and future.

The charge of producing child pornography with the intent to import it into the United States falls under federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 2251 and § 2252, which prohibit the creation, transmission, and transportation of sexually explicit material involving minors, especially when that material crosses international borders. These cases often arise when individuals are accused of creating illicit content overseas and either sending it digitally to someone in the U.S. or physically transporting it into the country. 

The use of digital platforms, cloud storage, file-sharing applications, or encrypted communication tools can all lead to allegations of importation. Law enforcement may also target people suspected of financing, directing, or participating in the production of child pornography with the intent to distribute it in the U.S.

The penalties for a conviction are staggering. Producing child pornography for import can result in a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of 30 years per count. 

If the offense involves a minor under the age of 12, multiple victims, prior criminal history, or distribution through a commercial operation, the penalties can increase substantially and even lead to life imprisonment. 

In addition to prison time, convicted individuals may face:

• Massive fines
• Lifetime supervised release
• Mandatory sex offender registration
• Asset forfeiture, including any property or equipment used in the offense

What makes these cases particularly complex is the scope and intensity of federal investigations. Authorities often conduct months-long surveillance, forensic analysis of digital devices, and international coordination with foreign law enforcement to build a case. 

Search warrants may be issued to seize computers, phones, and online accounts, and prosecutors will typically use technical evidence such as metadata, internet activity logs, file timestamps, and chat records to attempt to establish guilt. This type of evidence is highly technical and often requires expert analysis to fully understand and to effectively challenge in court.

At Hanlon Law, our legal team of federal criminal attorneys is experienced in handling serious federal charges, including those related to child pornography and international offenses. We begin each case with a thorough review of the government's evidence and the procedures used to obtain it. We aggressively challenge any constitutional violations, including unlawful searches or seizures, and we examine whether the government can prove key elements such as intent, knowledge, and actual production or distribution.

In some cases, evidence may be circumstantial, or our client may have had no knowledge that certain content was being shared, stored, or accessed through their devices or accounts. These are critical issues that can form the foundation of a strong and successful defense.

We understand the emotional toll these charges can take, not only on the accused but also on their families, careers, and reputations. That’s why we handle every case with discretion, urgency, and a commitment to preserving our clients’ rights and dignity.

If you are facing allegations of production of child pornography for import into the United States in Tampa, don’t wait to seek legal help. Give Hanlon Law a call today at (813) 228-7095 , or schedule a confidential consultation online. The sooner you act, the more options you may have to protect your future.