Pittsburgh Child Pornograhpy Lawyer
State and federal investigators are entering chat rooms posing as purveyors of pornography. They may offer to send illegal images to other chat room participants or agree to receive a zip file containing child pornography. Once a person agrees to receive or send child pornography, investigators identify his or her IP address and begin an investigation. In some cases, Google's own internal police will report IP addresses that it believes have visited illegal porn sites. Once an investigation is begun, the online activity of a suspect may be monitored, as well as his or her email activity. When investigators believe they have enough evidence to justify a search warrant, they will seize a suspect's computer to inspect its hard drive. If illegal images are found, a person will be charged with child pornography.
At the Law Offices of David S. Shrager, we understand the investigative and computer forensic issues that accompany child pornography cases. We immediately move to protect your rights and begin the process of undermining the prosecution's case against you. Regardless of whether you're under investigation or have already been arrested on child pornography charges, contact criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Shrager today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Charges surrounding Computer Sex Crimes
Under the terms of www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/2252.html">18 USC 2252, a person may face multiple charges related to child pornography. Prosecutors may charge a person with possession of obscene materials, the criminal use of a "communication facility," and the possession or transmittal of pornographic images. In each instance, it's important to understand how evidence was collected and what sorts of defense are possible. For instance, are you the only one with access to your computer? If an illegal image was downloaded to your desktop, did you open it or was it moved to the trash bin and deleted? Did you solicit illegal images using email or were you sent pornographic material you did not request?
Sentencing and Extenuating Circumstances
If your guilt is not in question, it may be possible to reduce your sentence depending on certain facts about your case. Were you abused as a child? Do you suffer from psychological or medical conditions that involve taking psycho-tropic medications? If convicted for possessing child pornography, how many illegal images were found on your computer and did you distribute any of the pictures? In the past, state and federal judges have imposed lengthy prison sentences on those convicted for child pornography. More recently, however, judges have imposed reduced sentences, even probation, in cases where it's clear a person is not a threat to the community.
Contact Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Child Pornography Attorneys
Possessing or distributing child pornography is a serious charge. It requires an attorney who understands the computer and investigative issues involved. If you've been charged with child pornography or are under investigation, contact Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania child pornography attorneys at the Law Offices of David S. Shrager today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case.