Pornography & Sex Crimes
Over his two decades plus in criminal defense, Attorney Marcus Barnett has developed considerable expertise defending individuals charged with sex crimes and related offenses. These include cases involving allegations of rape, non-consensual sexual conduct, charges arising out of BDSM relationships, as well as illegal pornography. Such cases require special insight and understanding, as well as the sensitivity needed to understand motivations and, in some cases, defenses related to mental illness, often arising out of events long ago.
In cases alleging rape, or non-consensual sexual activity, people are often shocked to find out that they can go to prison, sometimes for life, just on an uncorroborated accusation, with no other physical evidence to prove any crime ever took place. Prosecutors and law enforcement agents are frequently overzealous and vindictive when investigating and prosecuting these cases. They see themselves as some kind of white knight, and are often blind to the facts and complexities of such accusations.
Simply put, people claiming to be victims frequently have motives to lie, financial interests, or a desire to retaliate, leading them to falsely accuse our clients. It takes a skillful, experienced trial attorney to expose such individuals who seek to manipulate the system for their own gain. Marcus Barnett and the Barnett Law Firm will leave no stone unturned trying to prove our clients’ innocence. Although a criminal defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty, the mere fact of an accusation throws this entire equation out of balance. The ability to convince a prosecutor that an accuser should not be trusted can be the only thing that stands between you and potentially dying in prison. Our unique approach makes this possible.
In a free society, with all the benefits of modern technology, there is a proliferation of pornography on the internet, and even in ordinary business advertisements. Companies frequently exploit minors to sell underwear and swimwear, and the linkage between alcoholic beverage sales and the potential for sexual opportunities is well documented. There is an incredibly diverse and varied amount of pornography and sexual content available online, and the simple mistyping of a word or two on a Google search can lead to the innocent possession of illegal pornography. Additionally, many individuals who were molested as children are often so scarred by the past that they are led to seek out images and videos involving underage participants.
The law often protects us from being punished for things beyond our control. There are special laws governing the way the police can acquire and use evidence, including searches of computers and cell phones, as well as other electronic media. Marcus Barnett and the Barnett Law Firm are experienced in these cases, and understand the complexities that can lead to State or Federal child pornography charges. Our goal is to help clear your name, and get our clients the help they need when the circumstances call for it.
All of these accusations can result in decades or sometimes life in prison. Many times they carry with them the potential for the requirement for sex offender registration, which can limit employment, the ability to use the internet and cell phones, and even keep you from living where you want to live. It is vital that you get an advocate who will fight for you to protect your rights. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and in cases like this, only a truly experienced and understanding professional like Attorney Marcus Barnett can best protect you.