Child Porn Defense Attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, Represent Clients Charged With Serious CP Offenses
One of the most serious sex crimes in New Jersey is child pornography. Being convicted of any child porn charge in NJ, even possessing CP, could land you in jail for a long time.
Child porn charges are difficult to beat and can affect your reputation and the rest of your life. The criminal defense attorneys at Agre & St. John know how important skillful legal representation is for defendants accused of child porn and other sex crimes. We handle these sensitive matters with professionalism and a commitment to advocate for our clients through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
What Constitutes Child Pornography?
Before you can defend against a charge, you need to understand what you’ve been accused of. What is considered a child pornography crime?
Generally, child porn encompasses images, videos, and media that depict sexual exploitation of minors. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to create, view, possess, or distribute child pornography.
Categories of Child Pornography Charges in New Jersey
Child porn charges under NJ law include the following:
- Knowing possession of child pornography
- Manufacture of pornographic materials depicting underage subjects
- Knowing distribution of pornography that depicts a child engaging in or simulating a prohibited sexual act
- Child endangerment
As technology has evolved, so have the ways in which sexually explicit materials may be shared. Child pornography charges may be filed in relation to sexting crimes, as well. For example, taking sexually suggestive photographs (including selfies) and videos of minors could constitute the manufacture of child pornography, and sending or receiving such materials could constitute distribution and possession, respectively.
Don't face criminal charges alone – contact Agre & St. John today for experienced legal representation that will fight to protect your rights.
Facing Child Pornography Charges in Haddonfield, NJ
When you’ve been charged with child pornography, you need to know what’s at stake. Sentences for child porn charges may include lengthy imprisonments and high fines.
That’s to say nothing of the social stigma associated with a charge for child pornography. Just being accused of this criminal offense can affect your future career prospects and relationships, and a criminal conviction amplifies this impact. Even after you have served your sentence, you may continue to carry this burden by being branded a registered sex offender under Megan's Law.
If you’re under investigation or are being charged with child pornography law violations, having a strong legal defense is critical. Our New Jersey child pornography charges lawyers fight to protect our clients’ legal rights. We can develop a strong defense based on the unique facts of your case to pursue the most favorable outcome possible for you.
What Are The Penalties For Child Pornography Charges in New Jersey?
Sentencing for child porn crimes depends on a number of factors, including:
- The type of offense (possession vs. manufacture, for example)
- The degree of severity of the offense (first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree)
- Whether the defendant is facing charges in state or federal court
- The number of CP materials found in the offender’s possession
In general, persons accused of child porn charges in NJ can face significant jail time and monetary fines.
For example, if found guilty of a third-degree possession of child pornography charge in NJ courts, you could go to jail for anywhere from three to five years and be fined up to $15,000. Second-degree charges of distribution of CP carry even heavier penalties, including five to ten years in prison and six-figure fines. If found guilty of producing child porn in state or federal court, the prison sentences can be much longer. Federal charges for producing child pornography allow for up to 30 years of jail time even for first offenders under 18 U.S. Code § 2251.
The exact sentences you could be facing depend on a variety of factors. New Jersey child pornography charges lawyers who are familiar with the details of your case can help you understand the penalties you could be facing based on the specifics of the charges against you.
Take control of your defense – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's experienced criminal defense team to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with a Child Porn Offense
Child pornography charges are a serious criminal matter, and you shouldn’t attempt to face this problem without professional legal representation on your side.
However, if your first indication that anything is wrong is a sudden seizure of your computer or other devices by law enforcement, it may not be possible to speak to an attorney first. In that case, you should avoid any actions that could make the situation worse until such time as you’re able to consult an attorney.
Step 1: Cooperate With Investigators, but Limit Communications
Belligerent behavior toward investigators may make matters worse. If the investigators have a warrant, they’re legally allowed to search your property. Attempting to stop them could get you in even deeper trouble. Allow them to execute the warrant, but don’t respond to questions, attempts at small talk, or aggressive language from them. It’s best to stay silent, other than informing investigators that you will be hiring an attorney.
Step 2: Avoid Deleting Files
In an effort to control the damage, you may think that deleting or destroying files, devices, or other potential evidence could protect you. In fact, doing so is dangerous and may make you appear guilty even if the charges against you are false. You could get in more legal trouble for attempting to tamper with or hide evidence.
Step 3: Consult Experienced New Jersey Child Pornography Charges Lawyers
As soon as possible, talk to a lawyer. Your best hope to beat child pornography charges or receive a lighter sentence is through skilled legal representation by a sex crimes defense firm. These attorneys have experience handling these complex and sensitive claims with professionalism.
How Can New Jersey Child Pornography Charges Lawyers Help?
As serious as the charges against you are, you don’t have to give up hope. There are legal defenses against child porn charges that may help you attain a more favorable outcome.
A child pornography defense lawyer can assist those accused of CP crimes in the following ways:
- Ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout all proceedings
- Advocating for you and your interests
- Explaining the charges against you
- Investigating the alleged offense
- Incorporating any evidence in your favor and any weaknesses in the case against you into a strong legal defense strategy
- Helping you understand the criminal law process and your legal options
- Representing you in court proceedings, pretrial interventions, and a criminal trial
Hiring a criminal defense attorney means having someone on your side, which is more important than ever when you’re facing serious charges for child pornography offenses.
Contact Our New Jersey Child Pornography Charges Lawyers at Agre & St. John for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Going through legal matters that involve charges for child pornography is stressful, but you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. Our child porn defense attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, are here to vigorously defend those accused of even the most serious offenses.
For help from seasoned child porn defense attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, contact Agre & St. John online or call 856-454-8674 today.
