Quote Originally Posted by gaybucks_chip View Post

But if they want you, they will charge you and make it so painful that you will take a deal... and they can do that no matter how perfect your records are if they really want you, because the regulations are so Byzantine that they are nearly impossible to comply with 100%.

Actually, I think they ARE impossible to comply with 100%, not just "nearly".

I also stand firm in my belief that a website or producer that makes a good faith effort to keep good records, has all records indexed, and has all model ID's for the content they actually shot, the likelihood of prosecution is nearly non-existent. Prosecutions, particularly federal prosecutions, are not for single minor offenses that could be a hard sell to a jury. Federal prosecutions are multiple count indictments that are usually so strong there is really no point in taking the case to a jury.
The danger lies in the producer that does not make any attempt to comply with the record keeping requirements, does not have all ID's and does not make an attempt to get ID's, has missing ID's for models that appear underage, has underage models, has tax issues, has previous convictions for any offenses, has tried to hide behind a foreign address or PO box, or something that just pissed off the wrong prosecutor. It is a standing joke among prosecutors [and us former prosecutors] that we had the power to indict a ham sandwich. (that means charge a ham sandwich with a crime ) They really do have that much power to make your life hell. However, I think that towing the "fear fear fear" line that has been regurgitated by a lot of otherwise intelligent people is incorrect.