Child Pornography Defense in Ocala
Trial-Ready Defense Informed by Both Sides of the Courtroom
A child pornography accusation or investigation calls for an immediate, careful assessment of the charge, the digital evidence, and the authorities involved. Dunham & Ingram LLC represents people accused of criminal offenses in Ocala and Marion County, including matters within our sex crimes practice. These allegations may involve digital devices, online accounts, downloaded material, shared files, or messages allegedly containing child sexual abuse material.
Our perspective comes from both sides of the criminal justice system. Christopher Dunham began his career as a prosecutor in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, while Andy Ingram began as an assistant public defender in the same circuit. Their experience informs how we assess the investigation, charges, and available defenses.
If you’re under investigation, have been arrested, or face a pending charge, call (352) 353-8117 to discuss your situation directly with our attorneys.
Florida Child Pornography Charges Under Statute 827.071
Florida law addresses several distinct offenses involving child sexual abuse material. The applicable subsection matters because possession, viewing material intentionally, promotion-related possession, and involvement in a sexual performance carry different elements and felony classifications. We begin by examining the specific conduct and charge rather than treating every accusation as a generic possession case.
Florida law identifies several forms of prohibited conduct:
- Possession, control, or intentional viewing: Section 827.071(5)(a) prohibits knowingly possessing, controlling, or intentionally viewing a photograph, motion picture, or other presentation containing child sexual abuse material. As of July 1, 2026, a violation is a second-degree felony.
- Possession with intent to promote: Section 827.071(4) prohibits possessing qualifying material while intending to promote it. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony.
- Use of a child in a sexual performance: Florida law prohibits knowingly employing, authorizing, or inducing a child to participate in a sexual performance. It also addresses a parent’s or guardian’s consent to such participation.
For allegations involving possession, control, or viewing, each item may be treated as a separate offense. The number of alleged items can therefore affect the number of counts filed, making it important to examine how law enforcement identified, categorized, and counted the material.
Felony Penalties & Sexual Offender Registration
A second-degree felony under Florida’s possession statute is generally punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Because each alleged item may support a separate offense, one case can involve multiple felony counts. The actual exposure depends on the charged conduct, the number and type of counts, the person’s prior record, and the ultimate case outcome.
A Florida conviction for a child pornography offense also requires sexual offender registration. Registration obligations generally continue indefinitely unless a court removes that status. We consider both the immediate criminal case and the registration consequences associated with the specific offense.
State & Federal Child Pornography Investigations
Child pornography allegations may proceed under Florida or federal law depending on the alleged conduct, jurisdiction, and investigative decisions. Relevant federal statutes include 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252 and 2252A. Identifying the charging pathway early clarifies which statutes, procedures, and court obligations apply.
Our attorneys have trial experience in state and federal courts, including Andy Ingram’s criminal and civil practice at both levels. Christopher Dunham limits his caseload to a selective number of significant criminal defense cases likely to require substantial motion practice or trial. This background is particularly relevant when allegations involve extensive electronic evidence or potential federal charges.
Devices and online accounts can raise questions about how files were obtained, stored, accessed, and attributed to a particular person. The handling of a device or account during an investigation may also be important. We assess these issues against the government’s allegations rather than assuming that a file’s presence establishes who knowingly possessed, controlled, or viewed it.
How We Analyze Child Pornography Charges
The prosecution must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. For a possession allegation, that includes proving the accused person knowingly possessed, controlled, or viewed the material. A promotion-related charge requires proof of the additional intent alleged by the prosecution.
A case-specific defense review may examine:
- Whether the evidence establishes knowing possession or control by the accused person.
- Whether material may have been obtained unintentionally or accessed without the accused person’s knowledge.
- Whether another person had access to the device, storage location, network, or online account.
- Whether the alleged material and associated activity were properly attributed to the accused person.
- Whether pretrial motions can address the collection, handling, or use of evidence.
Our criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and bring more than 20 years of combined trial experience in state and federal courts. We use criminal discovery, the formal exchange of evidence and case information, to evaluate the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys focus on analysis, strategy, and communication, while our support staff manages logistics and timely filings.
What to Expect in Marion County Felony Court
Felony criminal cases in Marion County are heard within Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit at the Marion County Judicial Center. A case may begin with an investigation or arrest before proceeding through initial appearances, formal charging, discovery, pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial. The order and timing depend on charging decisions, the court’s schedule, the allegations, and issues specific to the evidence.
Early representation allows us to assess the allegations, identify information that may need to be preserved, and address court obligations as they arise. Chris Dunham and Andy Ingram communicate directly with clients by phone and email. We discuss both favorable and unfavorable possibilities so clients can make decisions with a realistic understanding of their cases.
Speak Directly with Veteran Trial Lawyers
An investigation, arrest, or pending charge can require important decisions before the full case is clear. We provide aggressive criminal defense representation informed by the perspectives of a former prosecutor and a former assistant public defender. Our contact page includes a form for requesting a confidential discussion of the accusation and possible next steps.
Call (352) 353-8117 to speak with Dunham & Ingram LLC about a child pornography accusation, arrest, or investigation in Ocala or Marion County.