Amidst all of the media coverage of recent international tragedies from around the world is the story of the sentencing of Jared Fogle. The former Subway spokesperson was handed a heavy sentence by an Indiana judge who decided to go above and beyond what was asked for by the prosecution.
Fogle was charged with and eventually pleaded guilty to trading child pornography and paying for sex with a minor. In a plea agreement, the prosecution recommended no more than 12.5 years in prison and the defense was fighting for 5 years. At the end of a 4 and half hour sentencing hearing, the judge passed a sentence of 15 years and eight months.
Many were surprised to hear that the judge went with a longer sentence than what was recommended by the prosecution. Fogle’s defense team tried to down play the charges by claiming the ages of the minors he had sex with were very close to the age of 18 and by trying to push the blame of the child pornography onto a business associate.
But what would the outcome have been if Fogle’s crimes took place in Arizona? Chances are, he would be facing a much longer time in prison.
In Arizona, the law states that a person can be charged with the sexual exploitation of a minor if they create, distribute or possess child pornography. Arizona and federal laws prohibit any depiction of sexual abuse of a child, including child pornography. The minimum mandatory sentence for just one count of possession of child pornography is 10 years.
Arizona is serious about child pornography or any other sexual crime against minors. In recent years, a former Arizona teacher with no prior criminal record was convicted on 20 counts of possession of child pornography and sentenced to 200 years in prison.
Anyone charged with the sexual exploitation of a minor in Arizona will face severe changes in their lives. Not only are penalties harsh when convicted, but the person will also face a merciless stigma from society that will follow them for the rest of their lives.
Unlike other crimes, a suspect enters into a child pornography case with an unfair presumption of guilt. This is why it is crucial that they have an experienced attorney in their corner to help them fight their charges. A knowledgeable attorney like Charlie Naegle, understands the burden of proof the prosecution is under. At Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys, we employ highly credible experts in computer forensics to overcome the charges against you.
To learn more of how Naegle & Crider will stand by you throughout your entire child pornography case to provide guidance and much needed support, call us today at 480-245-5550.