Under Canadian law, individuals who commit child pornography offences face mandatory minimum prison sentences. Individuals accused of possessing and accessing child pornography will face either indictment or summary conviction. Those who are indicted will be sanctioned with at least one year of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of ten years. Summary conviction may lead to at least six months imprisonment or a maximum sentence of two years minus one day.
Indictment is mandated for cases involving manufacturing and distributing child pornography. Individuals indicted for manufacturing and distributing child pornography may be sanctioned with a minimum one-year prison sentence. The maximum sentence is fourteen years imprisonment.
Child pornography charges are associated with orders that must be entered. A SOIRA (Sex Offender Information Registry Act) order, a section 161 order, and a DNA order must be entered after an accused individual is convicted of a child pornography offence. The Children’s Aid Society may also play a role in your case if you are a parent or guardian.
The consequences that arise from a child pornography conviction can affect every area of your life. You may face issues related to housing and employment. A child pornography lawyer can provide you with the guidance and advice you need to enforce your legal rights.