Savannah Federal Child Pornography Lawyer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can Police Look at Your Internet History?

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.

Can the FBI See My Deleted Search History?

Yes, the FBI can potentially see your deleted search history. Deleted search history can still reside on devices, servers, or backups. The FBI can recover it with digital forensic tools, particularly with a warrant. Deleting your history doesn’t guarantee it’s gone, and federal investigators often retrieve what users thought was lost. The level of data recovery is determined by the storage methods and locations used.

Can Browsing History Be Deleted Permanently?

Technically, yes, browsing history can be deleted permanently, but it takes several steps to do so. You would have to delete the history from every device and any backups or synced accounts to truly clear all browsing history. You can use special software or factory resets to assist with this, but data fragments may still be recoverable with forensic tools. For most regular users, it is hard to permanently and irreversibly delete data without using a professional service.

Can Google Searches Be Used Against You?

Yes, Google searches can be used against you if they point to criminal activity. Searches can also suggest an intent or knowledge to a prosecutor in the building of their case. If you have not acted upon a search, it could still influence a court depending on the content and context. Appropriate legal advice is vital in these situations.

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.