A Skilled Defense Attorney at our Morris County Firm Can Help Defend Against the Severe Consequences of Being Charged With Possession, Distribution, or Production of Child Pornography in New Jersey
New Jersey and federal charges of possession, distribution, or production of child pornography can have hugely detrimental consequences in a person’s life. Not only can such a conviction result in a permanent criminal record and placement on the federal sex offender registry, but it can also affect one’s ability to get a future job and be a welcome member of their community. If you have been charged with one or more child pornography offenses in Morris County or elsewhere in New Jersey, you need the help of an experienced child pornography defense attorney to help you navigate your delicate and highly consequential case. Our criminal defense team is prepared to help you challenge the charges and get you on the road for the rest of your life. Contact a member of our team today for a free and confidential consultation, and read on to learn more about how child pornography charges can adversely affect you for life.
How NJ Investigates Child Pornography
When you are charged with an in-state child pornography offense, various state and local agencies investigate the charge. The New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, and the Criminal Justice Division investigate at the state level, and county prosecutors in the area the crime has allegedly taken place also get involved.
Breaking Down the Potential Charges for Child Pornography in New Jersey
There are three primary charges associated with child pornography cases. These are possession, possession with intent to distribute or active distribution, and production of child pornography content.
Possession includes knowingly possessing sexually explicit content of a minor under 18 years of age or appearing to be underage. Such content is most often contained in video files, images, or other online content. Intent to distribute or distribution involves the changing hands of, duplication, or sharing of said explicit content. Production of child pornography can include the creation of sexually explicit content involving a minor or even coercing a minor to record explicit images of themselves, even if they do not do so. The serious leader of a child pornography network charge falls under this production category.
According to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4.1a, a person will be charged as a leader of a child pornography network if they organize or otherwise facilitate an interconnected network that distributes sexually explicit content involving minors. This is a very serious first or second degree felony charge in New Jersey. An example of such a case involved a 19-year-old Morris County man who, among other charges, was charged with being the leader of a child pornography network distributing illicit material. This was a New Jersey state charge.
In addition to child pornography charges, additional charges may be added if such offenses take place alongside the invasion of a minor’s privacy. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9b(1), the fourth degree felony of privacy invasion can lead to up to 18 months in prison. Also, an offender can be charged with third degree computer criminal activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25e if their illegal activities regarding child pornography involve criminal computer activity. Such an offense includes illegally accessing restricted computer databases, for example.
Prison and Steep Fines Among the Consequences of Child Pornography in NJ
Prison and Steep Fines Among the Consequences of Child Pornography in NJState criminal possession of child pornography charges are third degree offenses resulting in a three to five-year prison sentence and up to a $15,000 fine. State distribution charges are second degree offenses resulting in five- to 10-years in prison and a $150,000 fine. State criminal offenses involving production of child pornography that directly exploits a minor is a second degree offense; however, it is elevated to a first-degree offense when the parent or guardian of the minor is the one involved in production. Such first degree offenses can result in up to 20 years in prison and $200,000 fines.
Federal Charges When Child Pornography Crosses State Lines
If a child pornography offense crosses state lines, the offense becomes a federal matter. In most cases, distribution over the internet constitutes crossing state lines and instigates federal participation. Such was the case of a Morris County, NJ, man who was charged with distributing child sexual abuse on the internet and, as such, faced federal charges. When the distribution of illicit material crosses state lines, the offense becomes a federal matter. Federal sentencing is commensurate with a federal sentencing table which takes into account the nature of the crime and the alleged offender’s criminal history.
Facing Charges for Child Pornography in NJ? Contact our Morristown Office Today
Because of the serious nature of child pornography possession, distribution, or various production charges and the fact that such an offense could have federal implications, you need a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with such an offense or offenses in New Jersey. A skilled criminal defense lawyer at our Morristown law office will investigate the specifics of the charges to ensure that they align with your actions and aren’t hyperbolized. We will also ensure that state and federal officials properly follow legal procedures in bringing such charges upon you, including any investigations or interrogations that occur in the sex crime investigation process.
Our experienced criminal defense team has spent decades representing clients to reduce serious child pornography charges and create a formidable defense against prosecutors that has allowed them to get on with their lives. If you have been accused of a child pornography-related offense in Chatham, Denville, Parsippany, Roxbury, Harding, Randolph, Dover, Morristown, Boonton, or elsewhere in Morris County, reach out today at (908)-336-5008 to discuss your case with an attorney free of charge.
