Federal Law
Activities Relating to Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors — New Orleans Federal Pornography Attorney
New Orleans Child Pornography Attorney
Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law is uniquely qualified to defend clients who have been accused of a child pornography offense in New Orleans area. We have represented countless clients in child pornography cases in Louisiana. Some of the specific types of cases we address include the possession, production, possession, distribution or sale of child pornography in New Orleans. Our knowledge of the law and experience in child pornography defense gives us the skill you need to effectively challenge the allegations made against you.
By Elizabeth B Carpenter — Child Pornography Defense Attorney New Orleans
Title 18 U.S.C. § 2252 : US Code – Section 2252: Activities Relating to Material
Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors
(a) Any person who -
(1) knowingly transports or ships in interstate or foreign commerce by any means including by computer or mails, any visual depiction, if -
(A) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(B) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
(2) knowingly receives, or distributes, any visual depiction that has been mailed, or has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or which contains materials which have been mailed or so shipped or transported, by any means including by computer, or knowingly reproduces any visual depiction for distribution in interstate or foreign commerce or through the mails, if -
(A) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(B) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
(3) either -
(A) in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or on any land or building owned by, leased to, or otherwise used by or under the control of the Government of the United States, or in the Indian country as defined in section 1151 of this title, knowingly sells or possesses with intent to sell any visual depiction; or
(B) knowingly sells or possesses with intent to sell any visual depiction that has been mailed, or has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or which was produced using materials which have been mailed or so shipped or transported, by any means, including by computer, if -
(i) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(ii) such visual depiction is of such conduct; or
(4) either -
(A) in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or on any land or building owned by, leased to, or otherwise used by or under the control of the Government of the United States, or in the Indian country as defined in section 1151 of this title, knowingly possesses 1 or more books, magazines, periodicals, films, video tapes, or other matter which contain any visual depiction; or
(B) knowingly possesses 1 or more books, magazines, periodicals, films, video tapes, or other matter which contain any visual depiction that has been mailed, or has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or which was produced using materials which have been mailed or so shipped or transported, by any means including by computer, if -
(i) the producing of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and
(ii) such visual depiction is of such conduct;
shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
Penalties
(b)(1) Whoever violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, paragraphs (!1) (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) shall be fined under this title and imprisoned not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years, but if such person has a prior conviction under this chapter, chapter 71, chapter 109A, or chapter 117, or under section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under the laws of any State relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor or ward, or the production, possession, receipt, mailing, sale, distribution, shipment, or transportation of child pornography, such person shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 15 years nor more than 40 years.
(2) Whoever violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, paragraph (4) of subsection (a) shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both, but if such person has a prior conviction under this chapter, chapter 71, chapter 109A, or chapter 117, or under section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under the laws of any State relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor or ward, or the production, possession, receipt, mailing, sale, distribution, shipment, or transportation of child pornography, such person shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years.
(c) Affirmative Defense. - It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge of violating paragraph (4) of subsection (a) that the defendant -
(1) possessed less than three matters containing any visual depiction proscribed by that paragraph; and
(2) promptly and in good faith, and without retaining or allowing any person, other than a law enforcement agency, to access any visual depiction or copy thereof -
(A) took reasonable steps to destroy each such visual depiction; or
(B) reported the matter to a law enforcement agency and afforded that agency access to each such visual depiction.
Contact
If you need a Child Pornography Defense Attorney in New Orleans, call attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter at 504-599-5955 or email her to schedule a consultation. Early intervention by an experienced sex crime defense attorney can make a tremendous difference in your case. We are here to help you, not judge you.
New Orleans Criminal Defense Lawyer Elizabeth Carpenter Speaks at the NOPA Annual Educational Seminar on Cyber Crimes
New Orleans Cyber Crimes Attorney
Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law is uniquely qualified to defend clients who have been accused of a Cyber Crimes in New Orleans area. We have represented countless clients in Louisiana Cyber Crimes ranging from Internet Fraud to Child Pornography Offenses. Our knowledge of the law and experience in Computer Crimes Defense gives us the skill you need to effectively challenge the allegations made against you.
New Orleans Criminal Defense Lawyer Elizabeth Carpenter
Speaks at the NOPA Annual Educational Seminar on Cyber Crimes
Elizabeth Carpenter, Esq., a New Orleans cyber crime attorney experienced in sex crime defense, spoke at NOPA’s Annual Educational Seminar on October 26, 2012 about digital forensics and defense in cyber crimes cases.
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) October 31, 2012
New Orleans criminal defense attorney Elizabeth Carpenter spoke last Friday in a session titled Cyber Crimes: Digital Forensics and Defense at the Annual Education Seminar in New Orleans, a continuing education seminar organized by the New Orleans Paralegal Association (NOPA).
Sex crimes defense requires a very specific defense strategy backed by extensive investigation and trial preparation—something that not all defense attorneys have a background for. NOPA asked Carpenter to speak at their Annual Education Seminar because she has undergone training in Forensics and DNA Evidence at the National Institute of Justice and the DNA Initiative Project, and because she has extensive experience as a New Orleans child pornography defense attorney and cyber crimes attorney.
Not all defense attorneys are willing or equipped to defend Internet crimes, explained Carpenter. “To form an Internet crimes defense in New Orleans, your attorney has to be familiar with the technology in question. If you’re arrested or served with a search warrant for child pornography or other cyber crimes, a computer forensic technician will go through the hard drive of your computer and write up a forensic report. If your attorney doesn’t know how to read the more technical parts of those reports, they won’t be able to form a strong defense.”
The penalties for cyber crime offenses in Louisiana are severe. The sentencing guidelines for even a first-time offender require a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years and a possible maximum of 10 years without parole per count, along with a fine of up to $10,000. Furthermore, anyone convicted of a child pornography-related cyber crime must register as a sex offender, a requirement that can lead to loss of employment, estrangement from family, and even difficulty finding housing.
“A cyber crime charge is not something that is easy to face,” said Carpenter, “both because of the technical aspects of cases such as these and because of the stigma attached to Internet crimes. It’s important to have someone representing you who is familiar with the procedures involved, and it’s also important to have an attorney who is on your side. My job as a cyber crimes defense attorney isn’t to judge you—it’s to use my experience to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.”
Contact
Are you under investigation for or have you been charged with a cyber crime in New Orleans? Contact Elizabeth B Carpenter, a New Orleans Cyber Crimes Defense Attorney at our firm for a consultation about your case today! Available 24/7 at 504-599-5955!
Are you facing criminal charges related to internet child porn?
Child pornography is a serious criminal offense that can be charged in either Federal or State court. This sex crime is punishable by prison, fines and sex offender registration. A New Orleans child pornography defense attorney can help you avoid these penalties by offering you legal guidance and representation regarding your charges.
For more information about child pornography defense visit our dedicated web page focused exclusively to child pornography defense. Available 24/7 at 504-599-5955!
Money Laundering — Louisiana
Louisiana White Collar Criminal Defense
Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. – New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney
Money Laundering — 14:230
It is unlawful for any person knowingly to do any of the following:
(1) Conduct, supervise, or facilitate a financial transaction involving proceeds known to be derived from criminal activity, when the transaction is designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or the control of proceeds known to be derived from such violation or to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under state or federal law.
(2) Give, sell, transfer, trade, invest, conceal, transport, maintain an interest in, or otherwise make available anything of value known to be for the purpose of committing or furthering the commission of any criminal activity.
(3) Direct, plan, organize, initiate, finance, manage, supervise, or facilitate the transportation or transfer of proceeds known to be derived from any violation of criminal activity.
(4) Receive or acquire proceeds derived from any violation of criminal activity, or knowingly or intentionally engage in any transaction that the person knows involves proceeds from any such violations.
(5) Acquire or maintain an interest in, receive, conceal, possess, transfer, or transport the proceeds of criminal activity.
(6) Invest, expend, or receive, or offer to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity.
PENALTIES
If the value of the funds is less than three thousand dollars, may be imprisoned for not more than 6 months or fined not more than one $1,000, or both.
If the value of the funds is $3,000 to $20,000, may be imprisoned with or without hard labor for 2 to 10 years and may be fined not more than $10,000.
If the value of the funds is $20,000 to $100,00, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for 2 to 25 years and may be fined not more than $20,000.
If the value of the funds is $100,00 or more, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 5 to 99 years and may be fined not more than $50,000.
After a conviction, the defendant may be ordered to release the laundered funds.
Contact
Money laundering has become a new focus of the FBI and Attorney General’s office because of its occasional role in allegedly supporting terrorism. Not only are more money laundering charges being levied by the federal government, they are devoting more resources toward getting quick convictions. Therefore, if you are facing allegations of money laundering, it is essential that you have a skilled attorney at your side as soon as possible.
Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. defends clients under investigation or facing money laundering charges involving:
- Illegal wire transfers
- Failing to report transactions over $10,000
- Structuring transactions to conceal value or source
- Failing to perform due diligence to determine source of large amounts of money entering the business
- Other financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity
Most clients facing federal money laundering indictment also have challenges involving asset forfeiture. Any money that law enforcement deems to be derived from illegal activity or purchased from the funds of unlawful activity can be seized by the government. This includes funds that are comingled with illegal funds.
If you have been arrested for Money Laundering in Louisiana, contact the Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. and schedule a consultation.
Federal Computer Crimes, Cyber Crime, Internet Crimes
Louisiana Federal White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. — New Orleans White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
Federal Computer Crimes, Cyber Crime, Internet Crimes
Internet crimes are on the rise, and have been for years. Due to the popularity of this form of doing business, new forms of defrauding people through this medium have emerged. Since the crime can originate anywhere, these offenses are often considered to be federal offenses, which can have much harsher penalties. They are also pursued vigorously by law enforcement, due to the sharp increase in these types of crimes.
Some of the types of Federal Internet Crimes that we can assist you with include:
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Spamming
- Credit card fraud
- Illegal downloading
- Identity Theft
- Internet Fraud
- Computer Hacking
- Internet Pornography
- Computer Crimes against a Child
- Cyber stalking
The area of internet crimes is complex and can involve not only local authorities, but State and Federal as well. Depending on the crime you are charged with, there may be several counts of wrongdoing to contend with. The specific penalties that a defendant faces for a federal computer crime conviction will vary depending upon the particular offense. For example, while imprisonment may be a common denominator for all computer crimes, heavy fines and victim restitution are more likely in a case involving fraud and sex offender registration will likely be mandatory in a case involving child pornography. You will need the experience and expertise of a highly skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure your defense is properly formulated.
If you have been charged with an internet crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be the difference between freedom and prison. Prosecutors are trying to put people in prison for these offenses; don’t leave your freedom to chance. Contact the Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. a White Collar Crime law firm for a consultation. We are ready to help you!
DEA: Definition of Controlled Substance Schedules
Definition of Controlled Substance Schedules – DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE NEW ORLEANS
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug related crime, contact Elizabeth B. Carpenter — New Orleans Drug Crime Defense Attorney for a consultation.
The drugs and other substances that are considered controlled substances under the CSA are divided into five schedules. A listing of the substances and their schedules is found in the DEA regulations, 21 C.F.R. Sections 1308.11 through 1308.15. A controlled substance is placed in its respective schedule based on whether it has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and its relative abuse potential and likelihood of causing dependence. Some examples of controlled substances in each schedule are outlined below.
NOTE: Drugs listed in schedule I have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and, therefore, may not be prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use. In contrast, drugs listed in schedules II-V have some accepted medical use and may be prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use.
Schedule I Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
Some examples of substances listed in schedule I are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), peyote, methaqualone, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”).
Schedule II Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Examples of single entity schedule II narcotics include morphine and opium. Other schedule II narcotic substances and their common name brand products include: hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), methadone (Dolophine®), meperidine (Demerol®), oxycodone (OxyContin®), and fentanyl (Sublimaze® or Duragesic®).
Examples of schedule II stimulants include: amphetamine (Dexedrine®, Adderall®), methamphetamine (Desoxyn®), and methylphenidate (Ritalin®). Other schedule II substances include: cocaine, amobarbital, glutethimide, and pentobarbital.
Schedule III Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a potential for abuse less than substances in schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
Examples of schedule III narcotics include combination products containing less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin®) and products containing not more than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine®). Also included are buprenorphine products (Suboxone® and Subutex®) used to treat opioid addiction.
Examples of schedule III non-narcotics include benzphetamine (Didrex®), phendimetrazine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids such as oxandrolone (Oxandrin®).
Schedule IV Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances in schedule III.
An example of a schedule IV narcotic is propoxyphene (Darvon® and Darvocet-N 100®).
Other schedule IV substances include: alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®), lorazepam (Ativan®), midazolam (Versed®), temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®).
Schedule V Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances listed in schedule IV and consist primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. These are generally used for antitussive, antidiarrheal, and analgesic purposes.
Examples include cough preparations containing not more than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams (Robitussin AC® and Phenergan with Codeine®).
Contact
If you are facing DRUG RELATED CRIMINAL CHARGES in Orleans, Jefferson, St. John, Plaquemines, St. Charles, or St. Tammany Parish, contact The Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. for a consultation with a New Orleans Drug Crime Defense Attorney. We have experience defending virtually every type of Drug Crime imaginable!