{"id":374084,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-child-pornography-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-04T13:43:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T18:43:38","slug":"michigan-child-pornography-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-child-pornography-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Child Pornography Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Michigan Child Pornography Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 04, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Child pornography is a form of child sexual exploitation. Before the internet, most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-pornography.html\">child porn<\/a> came in the form of photographs, videos, and other physical mediums. Today, thousands of people engage in child pornography online (also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.missingkids.org\/theissues\/csam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Sexual Abuse Material<\/a>, or CSAM). They create pornographic images and materials on their computer for personal use and promotion.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/child-pornography.html\">child pornography<\/a> charges in Michigan, you should get to know the relevant criminal laws. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/minnesota?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a> will also help protect your rights. Whether the state has charged you with possession of CSAM or some other sexually abusive activity, a conviction will affect the rest of your life.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Does Michigan Law Define Child Pornography?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mi\/chapter-750-michigan-penal-code\/mi-comp-laws-750-145c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 750.145(c)<\/a> governs child pornography crimes. According to this statute, there are several types of CSAM crimes. These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Possession of child porn which includes viewing pornographic material and sexting<\/li>\r\n<li>Reproduction of child pornography<\/li>\r\n<li>Distribution or promotion of child sexually abusive material<\/li>\r\n<li>Soliciting or enticing a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct on film, in photos, or as part of any other medium<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A conviction on charges of CSAM in Michigan carries a maximum prison sentence, fines, and sex offender registration. Your child pornography lawyer will have a difficult time raising a defense to these criminal charges. If the judge or jury finds you guilty, you&#8217;ll face <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/sentencing.html\">prison time<\/a> and other severe penalties.<\/p>\r\n<p>When determining your guilt, the jury will use a <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/reasonable-person.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reasonable person standard<\/a>. For example, suppose your defense is that you didn&#8217;t know the person depicting the sexual activity in the pornographic materials was a minor. In that case, the jury will use common sense to determine if you&#8217;re telling the truth.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Does the First Amendment Protect Pornographic Materials?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The First Amendment does not protect images of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-pornography.html\">child pornography<\/a>. This type of content is illegal under state and federal law. If a law enforcement agency arrests you for the distribution of child pornography or another child pornography offense, you can&#8217;t cite the First Amendment as your defense.<\/p>\r\n<p>If your child pornography case leads to a conviction, you&#8217;ll face fines and a prison sentence, and you&#8217;ll likely have to register as a sex offender.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Is Child Sexually Abusive Material?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/d9\/2023-06\/child_sexual_abuse_material_2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child sexually abusive material<\/a> is any depiction, picture, film, video, electronic visual image, computer-generated image, or sound recording of a child (under 18) engaging in a sexual act.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following behavior may qualify as a sexual act for purposes of Michigan sex crimes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Nudity<\/li>\r\n<li>Oral sex<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual intercourse<\/li>\r\n<li>Sadomasochistic abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Masturbation<\/li>\r\n<li>Explicit images of children engaged in any other sexual act<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The factfinder will determine whether the content in question is explicit material. If your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/minnesota?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a> can prove that the content does not qualify as sexually abusive material, the state may have to drop or reduce the criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Michigan Child Porn Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing child porn charges in Lansing, Detroit, Ann Arbor, or any other Michigan city, you should be aware of the child pornography laws. Keep in mind that if you&#8217;re facing federal child pornography charges, your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/minnesota?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sex crimes lawyer<\/a> will have to defend you in federal court. The federal laws and penalties are different from the state laws and penalties.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following table highlights the main provisions of the Michigan child pornography laws. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/cyber-crimes.html\">Cyber Crimes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/sex-crimes.html\">Sex Crimes<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/crimes-against-children.html\">Crimes Against Children<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\r\n<table border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Code sections<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material (child pornography): <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mi\/chapter-750-michigan-penal-code\/mi-comp-laws-750-145c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Penal Code \u00a7750.145(C)(4)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Distribution of Child Sexually Abusive Material: <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mi\/chapter-750-michigan-penal-code\/mi-comp-laws-750-145c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Penal Code \u00a7750.145(C)(3)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Production of Child Sexually Abusive Material: <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/mi\/chapter-750-michigan-penal-code\/mi-comp-laws-750-145c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Penal Code \u00a7750.145(C)(2)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Prohibited behavior<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><b>Possession:<\/b> Anyone who knowingly possesses, seeks, or accesses child pornographic material<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Distribution:<\/b> Anyone who distributes, promotes, or finances the distribution of any &quot;child sexually abusive material.&quot;<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Production:<\/b> Anyone who solicits, coerces, or knowingly allows a child to engage in &quot;child sexually abusive&quot; activity<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Definition of a minor<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person under 18 years of age<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Definition of child sexually abusive material<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Any film, photograph, magazine, electronic visual image, computer-generated image, or sound recording of a child engaging in a sexual act<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Mandatory state sexual offender registry if convicted?<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Yes, most convictions for child porn and related crimes will lead to registration on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/msp\/0,4643,7-123-1589_1878_24961---,00.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Sex Offender Registry<\/a> list. Once you register as a sex offender, you\u2019ll remain on the list for life.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Penalties<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li><b>Possession:<\/b> Felony \u2014 Up to four years in prison, $10,000 fine<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Distribution:<\/b> Felony \u2014 Up to seven years in prison, $50,000 fine<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Production:<\/b> Felony \u2014 Up to 20 years in prison, $100,000 fine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A conviction of any of these sex crimes may also carry a penalty of asset forfeiture and criminal restitution. It will also carry mandatory registration as a sex offender.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Mandatory reporting requirement<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Computer technicians, I.T. workers, and film developers must report child pornography to a law enforcement agency if they encounter it in the scope of their work.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2><b>Federal Child Pornography Crimes<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If a federal agent discovers that you or a loved one have child porn, they&#8217;ll charge you with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/criminal\/criminal-ceos\/child-pornography\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal child porn crime<\/a>. The same is true for the promotion and distribution of child porn.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are many federal laws addressing child pornography. These include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure\/18-usc-sect-2251.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2251<\/a><span> \u2014 Sexual exploitation of children&nbsp;(production of child pornography)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure\/18-usc-sect-2251\/#:~:text=%28a%29%20Any%20person%20who%20employs%2C%20uses%2C%20persuades%2C%20induces%2C,or%20affecting%20interstate%20or%20foreign%20commerce%20or%20mailed.\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2251A<\/a><span> \u2014 Selling and buying of children<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure\/18-usc-sect-2252.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2252<\/a><span> \u2014 Activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure\/18-usc-sect-2252a\/#:~:text=%28b%29%20%281%29%20Whoever%20violates%2C%20or%20attempts%20or%20conspires,than%2015%20years%20nor%20more%20than%2040%20years.\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2252A<\/a><span> \u2014 Certain activities relating to material constituting or containing child pornography<\/span><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure\/18-usc-sect-2260\/\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2260<\/a><span> \u2014 Production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>A Michigan Sex Crimes Attorney Can Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The criminal laws in Michigan can be challenging to navigate. It&#8217;s a good idea to consult an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/minnesota?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan criminal defense attorney<\/a> if you have questions about your case.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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