Somerville Child Pornography Lawyer

Somerville Child Pornography Attorney

Acting as the seat of Somerset County, even Somerville has many types of crimes. When you find yourself facing child pornography charges, however, you may face irreparable damage to your reputation, career, livelihood, and personal life. People often feel bewildered, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn next when facing charges of this nature. A Somerville child pornography lawyer can help.

At Wronko & Loewen, our criminal defense lawyers have been fighting to defend the rights and futures of our clients for over thirty years. We recognize the severity of the consequences you may face if convicted of child pornography crimes, and we will do everything in our power to protect you from a life-altering conviction. We have the level of skill necessary to build a solid defense case that can stand up against these charges before a judge and jury.

For many individuals, this may be the first time they walk into the Somerset County Superior Court on North Bridge Street. This can be an intimidating experience, and the attorneys at Wronko & Loewen are here to guide you through and ensure your rights are protected.

Defining Somerville Child Pornography Crimes

In 2023 alone, around 1,408 cases of child pornography were reported to the United States Sentencing Commission. When you find yourself facing these charges, your attorney can build a strategic defense that can offer you the greatest chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.

At the offices of Wronko & Loewen, our attorneys have handled many child pornography cases, including those based on charges of:

• Possession of child pornography. Anyone who is in possession of or views child pornography in a knowing manner, whether online or via physical material, can be charged with the crime of possession of child pornography. Somerville residents could face up to 18 months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines if they are convicted of the possession of child pornography.
• Distribution of child pornography. If you are convicted of this crime, you could face five to 10 years in prison and fines totaling up to $250,000. There are three different situations that can lead to these charges, including:
  • An individual acts as the photographer or videographer in the creation of child pornography.
  • An individual allows or causes a child to engage in acts of a sexual nature in order to create pornography images, videos, or photos.
  • An individual receives child pornography for the purpose of selling it, or they sell, publish, transfer, circulate, distribute, or exhibit the material.
• A teen in Somerville who sends a sexually explicit or nude photo by text or by any other form of electronic communication can be charged with child pornography if they are under the age of 18 years old. For example, a 16-year-old girl who takes a topless photo of herself to send to her boyfriend, who is also 16, can be charged with child pornography. The boyfriend may also be charged.
• The promotion of obscene material. Since the development of generative AI and similar technologies, there has been a sharp increase in the creation and promotion of obscene material and child pornography. In New Jersey, it is considered a criminal act to show, distribute, or sell any photo, image, or video of a sexual nature to a minor.

At Wronko & Loewen, we understand that a simple misunderstanding or mistake can lead to life-changing charges. We are here to do everything in our power to defend you against these charges and ensure your innocence is upheld in a court of law.

How Wronko & Loewen Defend Against Child Pornography Allegations in New Jersey

A child pornography conviction can come with steep penalties. Thankfully, there are several defenses that may be useful in your case. When you work with the team at Wronko & Loewen, we can review the facts of your case and determine which avenue of defense fits your needs. The most common avenues of defense in child pornography cases include:

• You did not realize you were in possession of child pornography, and the possession was unintentional.
• You lacked the knowledge that the person depicted in the image, photo, or video was a minor individual.
• You suffered entrapment by state or federal law enforcement officers.
• There has been a mishandling of evidence while it was in the custody of the police.
• The police or federal agency involved in your case violated your constitutional rights when they conducted an illegal search and seizure of evidence.
• The statute of limitations applicable to your case has expired.

FAQs About Somerville, NJ Child Pornography Laws

Why Do I Need an Attorney for a Child Pornography Case?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney for a child pornography case, they can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a favorable outcome. From the moment your attorney is brought on, they can review the details of the case, uncover evidence to support you, and defend you against the prosecution’s case.

What Is Megan’s Law?

In 1994, the state of New Jersey passed Megan’s Law, or the Sex Offenders Act of 1994. This law works to manage the reentry of those convicted of sexual offenses into society. While many states have adopted similar laws that require sex offenders to become registered, New Jersey also calls for community notifications under Megan’s Law.

What is parole supervision for life?

In New Jersey if you are convicted you can be sentenced to parole supervision for life. You will be required to be on parole at least 15 years before you can apply for early termination.

How Is Child Pornography Proven by the State?

For the state prosecutors to prove a crime of child pornography has taken place, they must be able to show that the material in question does constitute child pornography as outlined by state definitions. An item can be considered child pornography if it shows a child engaging in prohibited sexual acts and other potential actions.

Can I Be Charged With Child Pornography Crimes on the Federal Level?

Yes, the federal government may decide to pursue child pornography charges in a wide range of situations. For example, the production of child pornography on a federal level is a felony that can result in a convicted person spending decades behind bars. There are also federal laws that apply to the distribution, possession, or importation of child pornography across state and national boundaries.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Child Pornography Charges Today

If you or a family member is facing child pornography charges in Somerville, New Jersey, you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. At Wronko & Loewen, we are not afraid to fight for you and your rights. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation with our team.