Norfolk, VA Child Pornography Lawyer

Norfolk, VA Child Pornography Attorney

In Norfolk and the state of Virginia, convictions for child pornography crimes come with serious associated criminal penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Therefore, if you or your loved one are facing child pornography charges in the area, it is critical to seek experienced legal representation. An experienced Norfolk, VA, child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg can help you fight back against these charges.

Child Pornography Charges in Norfolk, Virginia

A child pornography conviction comes with serious penalties to discourage the occurrence of these offenses. The ultimate goal is to protect minors under the age of 18, but the penalties can be applied incorrectly or in an extreme manner. Individuals facing child pornography charges can potentially have a significant accident or one-time slip that has disastrous consequences for the rest of their lives.

According to Virginia law, child pornography crimes are offenses that involve the manufacturing, distribution, possession, or consumption of material that features minors under the age of 18 engaging in sexually explicit or lewd behavior. Child pornography charges in Virginia come with severe consequences, including not only criminal penalties imposed by the state but collateral consequences, such as a damaged professional and personal life.

At Johnson/Citronberg, it is not uncommon for our experienced criminal defense lawyers to run into cases where defendants did not have the intention of distributing or possessing child porn material or were even unaware that it was in their possession. If you have been charged with crimes involving videos, photographs, or other digital material that is considered to be child pornography, it is critical to have experienced and knowledgeable legal representation.

How Can a Norfolk, Virginia Child Pornography Lawyer Help Me?

An experienced criminal defense lawyer who has an extensive track record handling similar child pornography cases to yours from Johnson/Citronberg can help you protect your rights and secure optimal case outcomes. Specifically, a lawyer from our firm can help you in the following ways:

• Investigating your case. A lawyer from our firm can work to understand the charges you face and the associated evidence. We can launch a deep dive into the case against you, including digital data and records of communication, to understand whether it is enough to substantiate the charges against you.We can also determine if it has been tampered with or obtained illegally. We can ensure that specific legal procedures were carried out lawfully, requesting that unlawfully obtained evidence be suppressed.
• Equipping you with knowledge. When it comes to serious charges, such as child-related charges, it is critical to understand the charges you’re facing, as well as your potential penalties and outcomes. A compassionate legal representative from our team can help you understand these crucial details, which are critical for protecting your rights and developing a strong defense strategy.
• Crafting a robust defense strategy. A skilled lawyer from our firm can help you mount a personalized defense strategy that fits your case details. We can look into options such as arguing that another person accessed your computer and downloaded or shared the child porn content, that you have been mistaken for another person, that the evidence against you was obtained through unlawful search and seizure, or that you were not aware you possessed the material.
• Fighting on your behalf. A criminal defense lawyer from our team can serve as your biggest advocate, bringing forward strong legal arguments with supporting evidence, such as statements from expert witnesses, to challenge the prosecution’s charges against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be optional. If your case necessitates a plea deal, we can work to secure negotiations to reduce subsequent penalties.

Overall, a Norfolk, VA, child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg is here to provide you with critical legal representation to fight for optimal case outcomes. We can help you fight against your charges by leveraging various legal strategies, ultimately minimizing the criminal penalties and collateral damages with your case.

FAQs

What Is the Law in Virginia for Child Pornography?

In Virginia, child pornography crimes are considered to include the production, possession, distribution, or solicitation of material that exhibits minors in a lewd manner or engaging in sexual activity. Such offenses are felonies in the state, with convictions leading to hefty fines, long periods in prison, and required registration as a sex offender. Section 18.2-374.1:1 of the Virginia Code specifically outlines the laws and penalties for child pornography crimes.

What Child Pornography Crimes Have Statute of Limitations in Virginia?

There are no statutes of limitations for felony crimes, including child pornography crimes, in the state of Virginia. This means that a person can face charges for committing child porn crimes long after the date of the alleged offense has passed. If you are facing charges for a child pornography crime that allegedly happened long ago, it is critical to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight back against the charges.

How Long Do You Have to Be on the Sex Offender Registry in Virginia for Child Porn?

In the state of Virginia, child pornography crimes are generally classified as Tier III offenses, meaning that individuals convicted of such crimes will need to be registered for the rest of their lives. There are certain instances in which an offender can petition to be removed from the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. However, this is rare. It is recommended to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to understand the conditions of your registry.

Is Child Pornography a Tier 3 Sex Offense in Virginia?

Yes, in Virginia, child pornography crimes are usually classified as Tier III sex offenses for the purposes of the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. More serious child pornography crimes, including the distribution and production of child pornography, tend to be exclusively classified as Tier III. As Tier III offenses are considered to be the most serious, this requires sex offender registration for a lifetime, leading to serious restrictions on freedom and constant monitoring.

Take Concrete Steps to Fight Back Against Child Pornography Charges

If you are facing child pornography charges in Norfolk, Virginia, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and devastated. An experienced child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg is here to guide you through the criminal defense process, developing and implementing a strong defense on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.