By Scott Brenner [ CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons John Grisham has an unpopular opinion about people who watch child porn: He doesn't think all of them are pedophiles. Now, before you throw up your hands in disgust and burn all your John Grisham paperbacks, take a step back and listen to his opinion. We happen to believe the same thing. We have defended many good people who have been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. 18-6-403 in Denver, Arapahoe, and Douglas County who receive unjust harsh sentences for a mistake.

John Grisham's Unpopular Belief about Sex Offenders

Author John Grisham spoke up about sex offenders, the prison system, and illicit photos of children in a recent interview. He says, “America is wrongly jailing far too many people for viewing child pornography,”  and that judges have “gone crazy,” “locking up far too many people.” Grisham goes on to say:

“Prisons are filled with guys my age. Sixty-year old white men in prison who've never harmed anybody, would never touch a child. But they go online one night and start surfing around, probably had too much to drink or whatever, and pushed the wrong buttons, went too far and got into child porn.” John Grisham

Now, once again – don't get worked up about this opinion and write it off. Grisham says he has no sympathy for “real pedophiles,” but doesn't think someone who possesses sexual images of underage kids should receive such a harsh sentence. And, Grisham is right. Our prisons are full to the brim.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”70%”]There are 2.2 million people imprisoned in the U.S.[/pullquote]

Prisons in the U.S. are Full and Getting Fuller

[pullquote align=”right” textalign=”left” width=”30%”]There is a shortage of treatment providers for sex offenders in Colorado.[/pullquote]Currently, there are 2.2 million people in jail or prison in the United States. When you break down the numbers, that is more than 750 out of every 100,000 people. In Britain, there are only 154 people imprisoned per 100,000. That number exploded as a result of campaigns from special rights groups who don't stop to think before they promote their agenda. Since 2004, the sentence for people who possess child pornography has almost doubled – from 54 months (in 2004), to 95 months (by 2010). In Adams, El Paso, and Jefferson County and across Colorado, the possession of illicit sexual images of children ranges from a class 6 to a class 4 felony. The possible prsion sentence is up to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. In addition to the prison sentence, a person convicted for possessing child porn must register as a sex offender and go through treatment. The Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) oversees treatment for all sex offenders. There is a shortage of treatment providers in Colorado, however. Many people sit in prison awaiting their treatment before they can be released.

Why You Need a Lawyer if You've Been Arrested

If you have been arrested because child pornography was found on your computer, you need to contact an understanding criminal defense lawyer immediately. The police and criminal justice system are ruthless when it comes to children and sex crimes. In contrast, the exceptional attorneys at our office understand the importance of getting help for sexual addiction, as opposed to simply sitting in prison. We work hard to make sure our clients get the help they need while getting them the best possible outcome in their criminal case.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney a the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.