Marcus sorted out my images case for me. Top team got me a great result. Really pleased with the outcome as I can now move on with my life. Thanks Marcus
Why choose PCD Solicitors?
PCD Solicitors are specialists in defending illegal images allegations, including cases involving indecent images of children (IIOC).
Our team have advised hundreds of people accused of illegal images offences across England and Wales, and are experts in managing serious and complex online sexual offence investigations, prosecutions and appeals.
If you have been accused of possessing, making or distributing indecent images of children, or believe that you may be accused in the future, then it is vital to obtain specialist advice at the earliest possible stage.
PCD Solicitors are one of the only law firms in the country to specialise in defending indecent images cases, and have secured excellent outcomes for the majority of clients we have advised. Our team are available to provide informed, discreet and personal advice, and can work to manage, mitigate and defend your case.
Who we act for.
We act for clients at every stage of the police investigation and prosecution who have been accused of indecent and illegal images. Even if you’ve not been charged, and you are concerned about a possible prosecution, we can provide you with the best course of action.
- Concerned about an allegation
- You’re under investigation
- You’ve been arrested or are on police bail
- You’re facing a charge or prosecution
- You’ve been charged and going to court
- You’re part way through your court case and need more specialist advice
- You’re facing a trial or sentencing hearing
- You’re appealing against a conviction or sentence
Illegal image offences we defend.
Illegal images is a catch-all term for a range of individual offences. If you’ve been accused (or think you’re about to be accused) of these offences, get in touch with us as soon as possible for a free initial consultation.
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Making indecent images of children
This includes taking a photograph or video, and downloading or saving an indecent image of anyone under the age of 18.
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Possession of indecent images of children
Having an indecent image of a child on a personal device, in a cloud account or on any other storage.
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Distribution of indecent images of children
Sharing, sending or uploading or transmitting an image to someone else, or allowing others to see the images.
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Production of indecent images of children
Creating any visual depiction of a child that meets the legal standard of indecency.
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Possession of prohibited images of children
Images like drawings, cartoons or AI-generated images that meet the indecency standard.
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Possession of extreme pornographic images
Any images or materials showing any acts that the law views as obscene, disgusting or grossly offensive.
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Deepfake and AI-generated image offences
This includes any offences under the Online Safety Act 2023 around explicit deepfakes or adults shared without consent.
These cases often overlap with other child sexual offence allegations, such as grooming or contact offences
How we build your defence.
Every case we deal with is different, and your defence strategy will be built around the specific facts of your case, including the digital evidence. Our team will:
- Scrutinise all the evidence the police and CPS hold, and instruct an independent forensic expert where the digital evidence needs testing
- Take a detailed account from you, including anything that’s been disclosed to the police and look at the issues that matter to your defence
- Engage proactively with the police and CPS
- Give you honest advice on a realistic outcome for your case
- Create a defence strategy based on your circumstances
The common defences in illegal images cases.
It’s up to the prosecution to prove its case against you to a high criminal standard. Just because an image (or digital trace of an image) has been found on your device or storage doesn’t prove guilt on its own. We use a range of defences where the evidence supports them:
What are the sentences for illegal image offences?
Most illegal images offences are either-way, meaning they can be tried in Magistrates’ Court, or Crown Court. The maximum prison sentences you can get are:
- Possession of indecent images of children: Up to 10 years in prison
- Making or distributing indecent images of children: Up to 10 years in prison
- Possession of prohibited images or extreme pornography: Up to 10 years in prison
If convicted, your actual sentence will depend on the number of images, the categories, or any previous convictions or mitigating factors. Conviction also usually results in you being put on the sex offenders register and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order or restrictions on your internet use. We can help with sentence mitigation once we know the details of your case.
Can you defend me against illegal images offences?
Yes. These types of cases are extremely serious and complex, but we specialise in defending them. Remember, it’s on the prosecution to prove deliberate, knowing conduct, and there are often ways to challenge digital evidence.
Being accused is not an automatic guilty verdict and we fight for you every step of the way.
Let’s talk.
Speak to a specialist illegal images solicitor
If you’ve been contacted by the police, have been arrested or charged, or are worried about a future allegation, contact PCD Solicitors today for a free, confidential consultation.
The Maltings, 100 Wilderspool Causeway,Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6PU, UK
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