Yes, pornography is legal in the U.S. among consenting adults with certain restrictions in place. However, child pornography is not legal in the U.S. under any circumstances, and it offers no protection under the law. Between adults, it is generally illegal to post pornography without the other participating adult(s) consent, or in retaliation or revenge for something else.
Manassas Federal Child Pornography Lawyer
Contact Johnson/Citronberg | (855) 959-4003
Manassas Federal Child Pornography Attorney
Being charged with federal child pornography is a serious offense. Even if you are never convicted, the consequences can cause irreparable damage.
If you are ever charged with a child pornography related crime, it is imperative that you hire a skilled Manassas federal child pornography lawyer right away to begin the legal process. It can make a huge difference in your future and freedom.
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What Is Child Pornography?
The definition of child pornography under federal law involves images of anyone below 18 years old engaging in sexual behavior. The category of sexually explicit conduct features nudity that shows genitals or pubic regions along with lascivious poses or simulated intercourse acts. The law does not require the person to be fully undressed or to touch anyone to be considered child pornography.
Also, real images, computer-generated pictures, and even cartoons can be considered child pornography if they contain sexually explicit conduct involving a minor or are meant to be believed to be a minor.
In many cases, prosecutors don’t need to show that someone created the content themselves or had direct physical contact; even deleted or temporary internet files can become the focus of an investigation. Federal law criminalizes the possession and distribution of child pornography, including passive sharing and automatic syncing of files.
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Manassas 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.
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Lyle Cartwright
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!
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Manassas Federal Child Pornography Laws
Child pornography laws in Manassas are largely governed by federal laws, mainly outlined in Title 18 of the United States Code. There are many subsections that handle the specifics regarding the illegality of child pornography. In fiscal year 2024, there were 1,375 federal child pornography cases that were prosecuted. This represents a 34.4% increase since 2020.
18 U.S.C. § 2251 makes it illegal to coerce minors to engage in sexual activity with the purpose of creating visual materials, such as photographs or videos. Conviction of this section of this title mandates at least 15 years, and no more than 30 years, in a federal prison. For those who did not physically produce the pornography, but may have facilitated, arranged, or produced content, this statute can still be used to charge.
Material that is virtual, or computer-generated, is addressed in 18 U.S.C. § 1466A, which prohibits the knowing creation and distribution of obscene visual depictions of the sexual abuse of children, including animated or cartoon images that depict minors engaged in sexual activities. Possession of virtual child pornography is also illegal under this statute, even if no children were actually harmed in the production of the material. It’s also important to note that accusations sometimes stem from misunderstandings, technical errors, or even false allegations—situations where a strong legal defense can make all the difference.
Enhancements also exist, which can increase a defendant’s penalties, such as extended jail time. Enhancements are added for particular circumstances, including a high number of images in possession, significantly young victims, or the portrayal of intensely sadistic behavior.
Penalties for a Federal Child Pornography Conviction
Federal child pornography charges come with a significant amount of penalties if convicted. These penalties can affect you for the rest of your life. Some of the most common penalties include:
- Prison time, depending on the offense, can be up to 30 years or more if there are enhancements involved.
- Fines, sometimes up to six figures
- Mandatory registration on the sex offender registry
- Supervised release
Those facing federal charges in Manassas should understand that every step of the process—from the initial investigation through pretrial hearings—requires careful attention and skilled legal counsel. In addition to criminal penalties, offenders may also face personal and professional consequences. Your reputation could be permanently damaged, causing strain on current and future relationships. Additionally, a convicted person may face restrictions on housing, especially if they live within a certain distance of places where children are present, such as schools, day cares, and playgrounds.
Professional licenses may also be revoked, and certain career fields may no longer be viable options, such as teaching or being a pediatrician. Due to the severity of the outcome for your future, it is essential to hire a federal child pornography lawyer right away.
About Johnson/Citronberg
We have defended clients in complex federal child pornography cases for more than three decades at Johnson/Citronberg. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the high stakes involved in federal court.
We are familiar with the procedures and the people at the U.S. District Court serving the Manassas area, including the Alexandria Division of the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are looking for an experienced federal child pornography attorney, we are here and we are prepared to fight for you.
Contact Johnson/Citronberg Today
Being charged with a federal child pornography charge is a serious matter that can greatly affect your future if convicted.
Johnson/Citronberg can help fight for your rights and your future, giving you greater peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.
Manassas Federal Child Pornography Resources
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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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