Miami Federal Defense for § 2251 – Sexual Exploitation of Children

Fierce Protection of Your Rights & Future Under Federal Law

5-start Google Rating
statue_left

Fierce Protection of Your Rights & Future Under Federal Law

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2251, anyone who “employs, uses, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any minor” to produce sexually explicit content faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life imprisonment, plus fines, asset forfeiture, and lifetime sex offender registration.

These charges carry enormous consequences—careers may be jeopardized, reputations permanently impacted, and federal prison time can span decades. Even allegations of creating or attempting to create explicit digital content involving a minor can trigger prompt federal investigation by the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

What § 2251 Covers & Why It’s So Severe

Federal law defines exploitation broadly to include any effort to produce sexual conduct involving minors. This extends beyond physical acts to include digital communication intended to result in the production of visual depictions of such conduct.

Possessing material that evidences such conduct may support a § 2251 charge if tied to production activity, though such cases are more often charged under related statutes like § 2252 or § 2252A.

The law emphasizes production and intent. Prosecutors must establish this through evidence like metadata, communications, or witness testimony.

You do not need to distribute content—production alone is sufficient for federal prosecution.

Employment-Based-Visa-What-Workers-and-Employers-Need-to-Know 

Harsh Penalties With Long-Term Consequences

Convictions under § 2251 may include:

  • 15 years to life in prison
  • Significant fines and asset confiscation
  • Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration
  • Loss of employment, restricted international travel, and civil liberty restrictions
  • Long-lasting damage to personal and professional reputation

Even plea agreements can result in decades-long sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.

David Stuart Seltzer

How We Defend § 2251 Charges

Our strategic federal defense approach includes:

  • 1 Challenging forensic reliability: identifying flaws in how digital files or metadata were handled
  • 2 Proving lack of criminal intent: demonstrating no intention to produce illegal material
  • 3 Disputing identification: addressing mistaken identity or unreliable witness accounts
  • 4 Uncovering Fourth Amendment violations: unlawful seizures, invalid search warrants
  • 5 Targeted cross-examination: exposing weaknesses in the government’s claims during trial

We leverage national case law and federal evidentiary rules to pursue charge reductions or dismissal where legally appropriate.

FAQs – Federal § 2251 Cases

What triggers mandatory minimum sentencing?

Production of sexually explicit content involving a minor mandates a minimum 15-year prison term under § 2251. Judges cannot reduce this minimum below the statutory threshold.

Don’t Leave a Federal § 2251 Case Unchallenged

Federal sexual exploitation charges involving minors are among the most serious offenses in the U.S. Code. The evidence? Often digital and complex. The penalties? Life-altering. The prosecution? Well-resourced and determined.

At One Call Legal, our federal criminal defense team is experienced in dissecting digital forensics, challenging prosecutorial assumptions, and protecting your constitutional rights in court. Early action can make a difference. Call now for a confidential strategy session.