Yes, the police can look at your internet history. However, they can only do so with the proper legal authority. In most cases, police require a warrant or subpoena to access your internet history from your computer or your internet service provider. Browsing information may be used as evidence in an investigation if it is obtained legally. Your privacy rights usually protect browsing information unless a warrant permits its retrieval.
Savannah Federal Child Pornography Lawyer
Contact Johnson/Citronberg | (855) 959-4003
Savannah Federal Child Pornography Attorney
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a federal child pornography offense in Savannah, you’re likely overwhelmed. These are among the most serious federal allegations anyone can face. A skilled Savannah federal child pornography lawyer at Johnson/Citronberg has experience working with clients dealing with this stressful time. The consequences are life-altering, but the outcome is not predetermined. We can help you fight for your future.
Facing these types of federal charges, especially those involving digital files, means the authorities may rely on recovered deleted data or even temporary internet files. Understanding how deleted and temporary files may impact your defense is crucial, and a careful legal approach can make a difference.
If you’re navigating an investigation, it’s important to know what steps to take and what not to do. Early representation can be essential to protect your rights from the start.
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Possessing and Distributing Child Pornography
Ownership isn’t always necessary to be convicted of possession of child pornography. Possession can also be the knowing control of a file. The legal principle of constructive possession allows prosecutors to pursue charges even when illegal material exists on devices like hard drives or thumb drives, and extends to cloud storage or hidden areas of these devices.
The possession charge may be based on cached images or browser-saved files, provided prosecutors demonstrate the accused knew about and controlled the content. The key legal issue in possession and distribution cases often boils down to intent and knowledge.
Distribution, in the child pornography context, does not only refer to the scenario of one person sending or selling content to another individual. The federal definition of distribution is very broad and includes making material available to other persons. Making a profit or intending to harm another individual is not necessary for a charge of distribution. Passive sharing can also qualify as distribution.
Federal prosecutors often use forensic computer experts to trace peer-to-peer file sharing activity, which can result in criminal charges even for passive digital sharing.
Savannah Federal Child Pornography Case Results
United States v. D.F.
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.
United States v. R.K.
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.
United States v. B.J.
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.
Virginia v. R.C.
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.
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!
Child Pornography Statistics
Out of 61,678 cases reported in fiscal year 2024, 1,375 involved child pornography. Since fiscal year 2020, child pornography offenses have increased by 34.4%. Of all persons sentenced for child pornography, 45.8% were sentenced for possessing child pornography, 43.1% for trafficking child pornography, and 11.1% for receiving child pornography.
The statistics fail to convey your individual narrative while they clearly demonstrate government control. Federal judges in Savannah follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and many will go above the advisory range when aggravating factors exist.
Federal Child Pornography Laws
There are many laws and statutes in place that outline the forbidden acts in relation to child pornography. Some of these laws include:
- 18 U.S.C. § 2251. This law refers to the production of child pornography. These offenses carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
- CPPA (1996). The Child Pornography Prevention Act first criminalized computer-generated content intended to resemble minors.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2252. This includes the receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography.
These charges frequently arise from federal investigations by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and task forces like the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program, which is active across Georgia.
Every federal case is unique, and guidelines for sentencing can be especially harsh in these matters. It helps to understand how federal child pornography sentencing works so you’re prepared for every step.
Penalties for Child Pornography Charges
Sentences for federal child pornography crimes in Savannah, Georgia are harsh. Criminal penalties range from minimum mandatory prison sentences of five years for distribution or receipt to 15 years or more for production.
Sentences can range from a few years to several decades, depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. Beyond prison time, offenders may face fines and sex offender registration.
In terms of personal consequences, a federal child pornography charge can have a life-altering impact. The stigma and shame associated with such a conviction can destroy relationships, lead to social ostracism, and result in psychological trauma.
On the professional side, many individuals lose their jobs, have their professional licenses revoked, and face barriers to future employment opportunities, particularly in careers involving children or sensitive information.
The severe penalties associated with federal child pornography charges demonstrate the importance of having an experienced federal child pornography attorney to protect your rights and fight for the most favorable outcome in these serious cases.
About Us
At Johnson/Citronberg, we handle cases involving federal child pornography charges. Our defense team is experienced in high-pressure federal child pornography cases across Georgia and throughout the nation. Our attorneys have over two decades of combined experience and a nuanced understanding of federal child pornography offenses.
If your case involves mental health issues or unique circumstances, having a legal team familiar with mental health evaluations and considerations in these cases can be essential.
Our team has worked through complex digital evidence and confronted government misconduct to secure reduced or dismissed charges. Hire a federal child pornography lawyer from our firm.
Contact a Federal Child Pornography Lawyer Today
Being charged with child pornography is a serious offense. It can have a grave impact on your future. If you have been charged, do not delay in seeking help.
Contact Johnson/Citronberg today for assistance. We can help you fight for your future.
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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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