Portsmouth Child Pornography Lawyer
Contact Johnson/Citronberg | (855) 959-4003
Portsmouth Child Pornography Attorney
If you have been charged with child pornography in Portsmouth, Virginia, it’s crucial to work with a detail-oriented Portsmouth, VA child pornography lawyer who can help you successfully fight back. Whether you’re facing charges on the federal or state level, an attorney from Johnson/Citronberg is eager to understand the details of your case and help you design and implement an optimal defense strategy to fight back against these serious charges.
The empathetic and skilled criminal defense team at Johnson/Citronberg has years of combined experience successfully defending individuals in Portsmouth and surrounding areas who have been charged with crimes related to child pornography. We understand that everything is on the line in these cases—from your future to your reputation, your parental rights, and even your family. We are eager to help you by protecting your rights and making sure the legal process is just and fair.
CALL US TODAY 855-959-4003
Testimonials from Our Clients
Maybel G.
Jess is known for his meticulous and strategic work style. At his firm, there is a culture of excellence and client focused dedication that is unmatched. He is very thorough during the entire legal process and always finds a way to solve client problems.
Rachel K.
Jess Johnson is the perfect attorney to overcome serious legal charges! He is very approachable & will use his expertise to give you the best criminal legal defense possible and I know this from personal experience. When you’re going through the scariest period in your life, you need the best lawyer on your side. I give him my highest recommendation!
Understanding Child Pornography Laws in Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1:1 covers child pornography offenses on the state level. This includes crimes like the possession, distribution, reproduction, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography. Penalties are dependent on the defendant’s criminal record and the severity of the offense:
- Possession. Possession of child pornography is considered to be a class 6 felony, which is punishable by one to five years in prison and can potentially also come with fines.
- Second or subsequent possession offenses. Reoccurring offenses can escalate charges to a class 5 felony, which can result in up to 10 years in prison.
- Distribution, reproduction, or solicitation. Distributing, reproducing, or soliciting child pornography can incur a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years. Subsequent offenses may come with a mandatory minimum of five years.
- Website operation. Operating a website to help facilitate access to child pornography is classified as a class 4 felony, which can include both significant fines and prison sentences.
Furthermore, federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 2251 (Sexual Exploitation of Children) and 18 U.S.C. § 2252 (Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography) ensure that offenders have severe penalties, such as mandatory minimum prison sentences of five to 30 years, depending on the case details. An experienced defense attorney can help you understand the differences.
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Portsmouth Child Pornography Case Results
Pilot Found Not Guilty in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Our client was a pilot and retired military officer. He was accused of knowingly transporting a large quantity of cocaine from southern Texas to Atlanta. If convicted, he likely would have died in prison. We were able to show a jury that our client had no knowledge of the drugs on board his aircraft. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberating.
Federal Judge in Eastern District of Virginia Gives Lowest Possible Sentence to Autistic Client
Our client, a federal employee, was convicted of federal child pornography charges. Based on his autism diagnosis, we convinced a federal judge to give the lowest sentence possible.
Time-Served Sentence in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case in Atlanta
Our client was facing life in prison after being charged in a wide-sweeping drug conspiracy case in the Northern District of Georgia. We were able to show that our client was abused by her husband and forced to ingest drugs, which led her becoming addicted. The judge determined that her culpability was the least of the many who were charged and granted our request for a sentence of ‘time-served’ which means no additional jail time. Our client was able to go home to her children the same day that she was sentenced.
Dismissal of Child Pornography Charges in Richmond, Virginia for Autistic Client
Our client, a working professional, was charged with distribution of child pornography after law enforcement raided his home. We helped our autistic client and convinced the court to defer all charges for dismissal due to his disability.
Why You Need an Aggressive Portsmouth Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing a child pornography charge can come with not only significant legal consequences but also repercussions that can impact your job and your personal life. This means that in addition to the criminal penalties, those who are convicted may be required to register as sex offenders, which can have significant restrictions on where they can go, live, and work. Depending on the situation, offenders may also lose their jobs and face lifetime supervision.
Given the severe consequences of these crimes, it is crucial to work with an empathetic Portsmouth criminal defense lawyer. An attorney from our team is eager to:
- Launch an investigation. We can go over the details of your case to determine whether your fundamental rights were breached or if you were subject to unlawful search and seizure.
- Challenge the evidence. After analyzing the evidence against you, we can work with subject matter professionals to prove any inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the prosecution’s argument.
- Plea deal negotiation. If appropriate, an attorney from our firm can help negotiate an optimal plea agreement.
- Trial defense. We can use optimal techniques, such as procedural defenses and authoritative testimony, to illuminate your side of the story.
If you’re facing charges for child pornography on the state level in Portsmouth, your case will likely be processed through the Portsmouth Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony cases. A skilled attorney from our firm can ensure your rights and interests are defended throughout your legal proceedings, from arraignment to trial.
Demographics in Portsmouth, VA
The city of Portsmouth is home to 97,915 residents as of 2024, with the median household income being $54,611. As 17.4% of Portsmouth residents are living below the poverty line, many may wonder about their ability to hire quality legal defense.
If legal fees are a concern you have about your child pornography case, keep in mind that a knowledgeable attorney can help protect you from a criminal record and future related issues. Consult with an experienced child pornography lawyer to learn your options.
Contact a Portsmouth Child Pornography Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is facing child pornography charges in Portsmouth, Virginia, a compassionate and skilled attorney from Johnson/Citronberg is ready to defend your rights and interests.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and we can start discussing the details of your case confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Should I Do if I Am Accused of Possessing Child Pornography?
A: If you’ve been accused of possessing child pornography crimes, it’s crucial to keep your calm and remain silent. Do not speak with law enforcement about your case until your criminal defense attorney is present. Anything you say could be used against you as evidence later on in court. As soon as you can, get in touch with an experienced Portsmouth criminal defense lawyer.
Q: Can a Conviction Result in Lifetime Sex Offender Registration?
A: Yes, a conviction for child pornography can lead to required sex offender registration, which can impact various aspects of your life, including where you’re allowed to live, the type of jobs you can have, and even where you can go. Being registered as a sex offender can also come with social consequences, leaving individuals feeling isolated from their communities.
Q: What Happens if Law Enforcement Seizes My Computer?
A: If law enforcement seizes your computer, they will likely search it for evidence related to the alleged crime. They will then hold the computer as part of their investigation until the case is resolved or a court orders its return. It is important to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. They can question the legality of the procedure to seize your computer and any forensic investigation methods used by law enforcement.
Q: Can I Fight the Charges if the Images Were Found on My Device?
A: Yes, if images were found on your device, you can still fight the charges against you. Multiple factors, such as unauthorized access, malware, and hacking, could explain why the illicit files were on your device. By working with a knowledgeable digital forensic professional, you can successfully establish a strong defense.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jess Johnson
Jess B. Johnson is a Partner & Founder at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC with more than 15 years of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He represents clients in federal courts across the country and is licensed in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Jess has handled complex investigations, trials, and appeals for elected officials, business leaders, whistleblowers, and individuals. He has secured dismissals, acquittals, favorable sentences, and major whistleblower awards. A University of Georgia graduate, Jess was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2012.
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Cary Jacob Citronberg
Cary Jacob Citronberg is the Partner and Founder of Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia, where he focuses on federal and state criminal defense matters. Licensed in Virginia since 2011, he brings more than 14 years of courtroom experience along with a strong record of advocacy. Cary received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2010 after earning his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2006. His work has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, with selections as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2021 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2025.
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