“Pornography laws in Missouri” – Missouri takes seriously any offenses against children committed online, including sex crimes. The state is somewhat behind in combating Internet sex crimes, nevertheless.
Naturally, this is wonderful news for anyone involved in particular, soon-to-be-illegal Internet activity. However, regardless of specific regulations, Missouri does have the legal groundwork for accusing someone of a range of Internet-related sex offenses when the situation calls for it.
There are numerous myths about Internet sex crimes since they are so new.
This post will discuss many of these queries.
Pornography laws in Missouri: What exactly is child pornography?
It refers to any representation in visual form—including a computer-generated image—of a child participating in sexual activity. Minors are anyone under the age of 18. Graphic or simulated lascivious genital display, bestiality, masturbation, or S&M are all examples of sexually explicit content, as are graphic or simulated lascivious sexual intercourse (all types). Distribution of child pornography has a minimum 5-year and maximum 20-year prison sentence. Child pornography possession carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
Pornography laws in Missouri: What makes up a Missouri internet sex crime charge?
What then qualifies as an Internet sex crime in Missouri? The legal definition of “Internet sex crime” is not clear. That does not imply that there are no laws available to prosecute Internet-related sex crimes.
They exist. A few of these are:
- Sexual misbehavior, such as accessing porn in public or sending inappropriate images of a sexual nature
- Online stalking. There does not need to be a specific statute against cyberstalking in Missouri. According to current legislation, harassment in the first degree is a Class E felony that applies whenever someone experiences “emotional distress” as a result of another’s willful activities to induce that distress.
- Child endangerment and enticement. One of the first states to pass child endangerment legislation that particularly targets adults who lure children online was Missouri. Sexting with children, pretending to be a child online to gain their trust, and luring kids away from their homes in order to satisfy their sexual needs are just a few illustrations of what the offense entails.
- Sexually explicit advertising: Advertising sex acts, specifically prostitution, is now illegal in Missouri, adding to the state’s already stringent anti-human trafficking regulations.
What Penalties Could I Face If Found Guilty of Internet Sex Crime Charges?
There are serious penalties for charges of online sex crimes. The specific charges have significant impacts. Missouri uses offense-specific sentencing. Therefore, child enticement on the Internet can result in a life sentence, whereas sexual misconduct may be a misdemeanor punishable by a few months in jail.
The amount of time required depends on each element of the offense. You should often anticipate facing further related charges if you face a charge of a sex crime. Therefore, even if your specific Internet-related sex offense charge may be minor, the associated crimes could be more serious.
Pornography laws in Missouri: The production of child pornography
A person commits a class B felony where he willfully or intentionally generates obscene material with-or-of a minor/child via filming, photographing, videotaping, or any other means. This is in accordance with the law’s Section 573.023 on “Sexual Exploitation of a Minor”. That basically implies that it is against the law to direct child pornography, and if the child in the image, photo, film, or another kind of media is under the age of 14, the offense becomes a class A felony.
Note that Missouri does not have any sexting statutes to protect young offenders from class A and class B criminal penalties. Additionally, the youngster must register as a sex offender and receive an adult penalty if found guilty of the aforementioned offenses.
Regulation of child pornography and Sexting in Missouri
Distribution of child pornography is a class B felony, as is attempting to distribute it or conspiring to do so. If the child in the picture or video is younger than fourteen, as earlier stated, it becomes a class A felony as a result of the crime.
It is crucial to keep in mind that anyone found guilty of a first-degree crime (a class A or class B felony charge) is not eligible for conditional release, parole, or probation for the first three years. Additionally, under 559.106, “Lifetime Supervision of Certain Sexual Offenders,” the court may mandate electronic monitoring or supervision by the division of probation and parole for the duration of the offender’s natural life.
In addition, the court has the authority to mandate lifelong GPS monitoring for anyone found guilty of breaking Chapter 566. Online solicitation of a juvenile (566.103), child molestation, sexual assault, bestiality, sodomy, rape, and human trafficking are all prohibited under Chapter 566.
FAQs about pornography laws in Missouri
The following are some FAQs concerning pornography laws in Missouri: –
In Missouri, is it against the law to snap and sell upskirt photos?
Upskirts images are unauthorized shots of the underneath of a woman’s skirt or dress, usually without consent. In order to take pictures underneath the dress or skirt of the unaware, the photographer places hidden cameras in the toe of a shoe, an open bag on the ground or carried, or wherever else that can conceal a camera.
Many people do not consider such images unlawful because they are taken in public. Contrarily, there are arguments that it is a breach of a person’s privacy.
Is Missouri a state that permits revenge porn?
In Missouri, revenge porn is not illegal yet, much like upskirt images. Revenge porn is becoming more and more popular as a criminal violation across the United States and, in fact, the entire planet.
Revenge porn is pornography produced by couples who later split up. The act of making the formerly private film public as retaliation for the breakup is the revenge part. However, there could be proof that some individuals dated solely for the purpose of getting sex footage. Then promptly broke up after making the video and uploading it online.
Is online sexual harassment accusations an offense?
In Missouri, harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is illegal. The quick response is therefore “yes,” though perhaps not in those exact words.
Related article:
Pornography law in North Carolina
Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment: How To Make The Claims
