Child pornography charges are among the most serious offenses in Virginia’s criminal justice system. Beyond the possibility of long prison sentences, fines, and mandatory registration, an accusation can affect your reputation, relationships, housing, and career.
If you were accused of a crime involving child pornography, you have rights, and the prosecution has the burden to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. An insightful sex crimes attorney could help you navigate this process, from arrest to resolution.
A Warrenton child pornography lawyer from Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC, can protect your rights and work toward an outcome that considers the entire impact of your case.
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1:1 makes it illegal to knowingly solicit, possess, reproduce, or distribute, any kind of child pornography. These felonies carry serious penalties depending on the facts. Charges for possession are a lesser class of felony than distribution or production, which carry even harsher sentences. A 2nd time offense can also bring harsher penalties.
These cases often involve technical evidence, including digital files, computer hard drives, and online accounts. A child pornography defense lawyer in Warrenton can review law enforcement actions to ensure the evidence was obtained lawfully and is reliable. Defenses that can be raised in a child sexual materials case include:
A skilled Warrenton child pornography attorney can help identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
A person convicted of a child pornography offense may face:
Criminal convictions can also spill over into family court proceedings. In custody disputes, a conviction may be raised as a factor when judges assess the best interests of a child. Even if unrelated to parenting, criminal records can weigh heavily in custody and visitation decisions.
A Warrenton child pornography defense attorney could help you understand the broader risks and prepare for the potential consequences in other legal contexts.
Digital evidence is often at the heart of child pornography prosecutions—including computers, phones, and tablets. These devices can be compromised or used by multiple individuals, and when mistakes occur in forensic review, the results may be misleading. A simple error in collecting or analyzing digital data could cause an innocent person to face serious accusations.
Working with a Warrenton lawyer who understands the complexities of technology could challenge questionable evidence and work to protect your rights in a child pornography charge.
Although Virginia statutes establish the laws surrounding child sexual material, the way that cases are prosecuted can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Local courts may handle these charges differently than those in nearby counties. An attorney with experience in Warrenton may be better equipped to anticipate how the prosecution will build its case, or the advantages or disadvantages of a certain judge.
At Ashwell & Ashwell, we combine our knowledge of Virginia law with practical experience in nearby courts to guide you and develop a personalized defense strategy.
Being accused of child pornography offenses can often feel like your future is in jeopardy. A Warrenton child pornography attorney could provide the advocacy and support you need to move forward. Contact Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC, today to arrange a confidential consultation and discuss how we may be able to help with your defense.
