Child Pornography Defense Attorney — Grand Rapids, Michigan

Child pornography charges in Michigan are prosecuted aggressively by both state and federal authorities, with convictions carrying decades in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. If you or a family member has been contacted by investigators or charged under MCL 750.145c, the most important decision you can make right now is retaining an experienced defense attorney before saying anything to law enforcement.

Michigan Child Pornography Law — MCL 750.145c

Michigan's statute covers a range of conduct, each carrying distinct penalties:

• Possession of child sexually abusive material: Felony, up to 4 years in prison and a $10,000 fine per count
• Distribution or promotion: Felony, up to 7 years in prison and a $50,000 fine per count
• Production: Felony, up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine per count

Each individual image or video can constitute a separate count. Prosecutors routinely charge defendants with dozens of counts, resulting in cumulative potential sentences measured in centuries.

Federal Charges Often Run Parallel

When online file-sharing services, interstate downloads, or emails are involved — which covers virtually every digital case — federal prosecutors have jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 2252 and § 2256. Federal sentences for child pornography possession start at mandatory minimums of 5 years; distribution and production carry even higher minimums. Federal prison time is served at 85%. State and federal authorities frequently coordinate investigations, meaning a single device can result in prosecutions in both courts simultaneously.

Sex Offender Registry

Any conviction under MCL 750.145c results in registration on Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act list. Under the current SORA framework, child pornography offenses typically carry 25-year registration requirements with severe restrictions on residence, employment, and internet use.

Defense Strategies

Fourth Amendment — Search and Seizure Challenges

Law enforcement frequently obtains search warrants in these cases using tips from internet service providers or peer-to-peer network monitoring. If the warrant lacked probable cause, was overbroad, or was improperly executed, a motion to suppress can exclude all evidence obtained from the search — which in many cases is the entirety of the prosecution's case.

Attribution and Access

Digital evidence requires proof that you — not another person with access to the device or network — possessed, distributed, or produced the material. Shared computers, open Wi-Fi networks, and household devices create significant attribution problems for the prosecution.

Chain of Custody and Forensic Challenges

Digital forensics must follow strict protocols. Any break in the chain of custody, failure to preserve original evidence, or error in forensic imaging can undermine the prosecution's technical case.

Affirmative Defenses

Michigan recognizes limited affirmative defenses under MCL 750.145c(7) and (8), including good-faith destruction of discovered material and certain professional contexts. These defenses are narrow and fact-specific, but they exist.

Why Early Representation Matters

Investigators in these cases work quickly. They may reach out for a voluntary interview that is actually designed to produce admissions. Anything you say before retaining counsel — even something that seems innocent — can be used against you. Maesen Law can communicate with investigators on your behalf from day one.

Contact Maesen Law

Ryan Maesen personally handles every case at Maesen Law and has over 20 years of experience in Michigan criminal defense. Call (616) 821-7691 or request a confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Muskegon, and Holland.