call us today (908) 704-9200
call us today (908) 704-9200
Allegations of possession, trafficking, or receiving child pornography are some of the most serious crimes you can be accused of. If you are facing these types of charges, a New Brunswick child pornography lawyer can help your case. They can guide you through the proceedings and fight for you at each stage.
call us today(908) 704-9200
Wronko & Loewen have dedicated years to representing the people of Somerville, New Brunswick, Morristown, and communities throughout New Jersey in their criminal cases. Our team has 170 years of combined legal experience handling a variety of cases, including child pornography charges, and can connect you with a New Brunswick criminal defense lawyer. Founding member James R. Wronko has been ranked as a Super Lawyer every year since 2006.
Child pornography is a serious criminal offense to be accused of. In 2024, 1,375 individuals were sentenced for child pornography offenses, with 45.8% charged with possession, 43.1% for trafficking, and 11.1% for receiving child pornography. Since 2020, cases have increased by 74% in New Jersey.
Child pornography in New Jersey law is defined as child sexual abuse or exploitation material (CSAEM). Charges center around the distribution, production, possession, and receipt of CSAEM. Cases in New Brunswick are typically handled at the Middlesex County Superior Court, located at 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.
All child pornography charges are classified as endangering the welfare of a child. The two main types of cases are possession of CSAEM and the distribution of CSAEM. The following are the classifications and corresponding punishments:
Possession is defined as the knowing and intentional possession, viewing, receipt, or control of CSAEM through any means. The level of criminal offense and subsequent penalties are categorized by the number of CSAEM items in control. These are defined as individual photos, pictures, images, videos, or computer files. Possession of more than 100 items typically results in incarceration.
Possession is defined as a third-degree crime for control of less than 1,000 items, second-degree for between 1,000 and 100,000, and first-degree for any amount over 100,000. Prison terms range from 3-5 years for lesser infractions to 10-20 years for greater offenses.
The distribution of child pornography encompasses the production, manufacture, sale, or sharing of CSAEM. Possession with intent is included in distribution cases. Distribution of fewer than 1,000 items is a second-degree crime, while any quantity above is a first-degree crime.
Distribution charges often carry mandatory imprisonment based on the quantity. Individuals charged for more than 25 but fewer than 1,000 items must serve a full prison sentence between one-third and one-half of a sentence or five years, whichever is longer. Distribution of more than 1,000 items carries the same guidelines with a minimum of 10 years or more without parole.
Hire a child pornography lawyer to help with your case. Your New Brunswick child pornography attorney can aid in every step of your case, from initial investigation and arrest to final court verdict and potential appeals. A few critical services that our team at Wronko & Loewen can provide include:
While it is not legally required that you have an attorney when facing child pornography charges, investing in experienced legal counsel can be crucial to an optimal outcome in your case. An experienced lawyer can review the evidence against you, build a defense that matches your circumstances, highlight errors made during the investigation, and advocate for lesser penalties. An attorney can make a difference in getting your case dismissed or reducing prison time.
How much your New Jersey child pornography lawyer costs depends on the charges you face, the complexity of your case, and the experience of your attorney. Representation for possession of a small amount of CSAEM with mitigating factors and early settlement typically costs less than allegations of a large-scale distribution operation, which requires a full trial. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate for your legal expenses.
Accused individuals make a wide range of mistakes when charged or investigated for child pornography. One common error defendants make is destroying digital evidence. Not only can investigation teams recover deleted data, but the effort to conceal it can result in additional criminal charges.
Another frequent mistake people make is speaking to the police without an attorney present. You may feel confident in your innocence, but anything you say can be used later against you.
Whether you go to prison for a child pornography conviction as a first-time offender in New Jersey is based on the severity of criminal actions, the details of your case, and the skill of your attorney. A possession case with under 100 items is less likely to result in imprisonment than a distribution offense involving thousands of items. Registration as a sex offender is mandatory even if you do not go to prison.
Contact us today to schedule your first consultation, during which we can discuss the charges you face and provide potential legal pathways for your case.
As a firm, Wronko & Loewen are committed to providing quality service based on extensive experience in New Jersey’s legal system.
call us today(908) 704-9200
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