Child Porn Charges Withdrawn for Peace Bond, instead of Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentence

Charge(s):

CC: s.163.1(3) – Distribution of child pornography, s.163.1(4) – Possession of child pornography, s.163.1(4.1) – Accessing child pornography.

Allegations:

A member of the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, assigned to the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit was conducting an online investigation into the distribution of child pornography images on Peer to Peer networks. Following a complex investigation, and forensic computer analysis, it was determined that my client was accessing, in possession of, and was making available several child pornography files.

Result:

On the day of trial, the Crown Prosecutor offered to resolve the matter by way of a Peace Bond, and my client accepted. These charges are enormously difficult to defend against, and the mandatory minimum sentence for these 3 charges, when proceeded by indictment, is a combined minimum of 2 years in prison. However, in these circumstances, my client simply agreed to abide by certain conditions for a period of one year, and all of the criminal charges were withdrawn that same day. No criminal convictions.