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Last Modified on Nov 11, 2025
Punishment for federal child pornography convictions can carry lasting consequences to your life, with hefty fines, lengthy jail time, and placement on a sex offender registry. Having experienced legal counsel can make a major positive impact in mitigating how the situation may change your future. Johnson/Citronberg is here to lay out the steps to reduce your sentence in a Virginia federal child pornography case.
Overview of Virginia Federal Child Pornography Cases
Virginia federal child pornography cases encompass the production, trafficking, receiving, and possessing of child sexual abuse material. Cases are prosecuted on the federal level if abuse media, or involved activity, crosses state lines. Most cases these days are automatically federal due to their digital nature.
In 2024, 1,375 federal convictions involved child pornography, or 2.29% of all cases. This represents a 34.4% increase since the fiscal year of 2020. Of those sentenced, 45% of individuals were for possession, 43.1% for trafficking, and 11.1% for receiving child sexual abuse material.
Steps You Can Take to Reduce Penalties
The actions you take after a federal child pornography charge in Virginia can dramatically affect your chances of reducing potential penalties. A few steps you should take include:
- Cooperate with the investigation. Cooperating with law enforcement’s demands can demonstrate a willingness to work within the system and help your case in the courts.
- Preserve digital evidence. Do not modify or delete any evidence that may be related to your case. Altering any relevant data can result in an obstruction of justice charge, with a separate charge of up to 20 years in prison.
- Early plea negotiations. Engaging in early discussion with the prosecution can benefit the terms of a plea bargain. Plea deals not only avoid a lengthy trial but also lower penalties. Having more time to discuss terms can increase the chances of receiving lesser punishments.
- Challenge enhancements. Disputing the amount of abuse material, the victim’s ages, and the nature of involvement is crucial in altering how your case is sentenced. Possession carries much lower penalties than knowingly receiving, trafficking, or producing illegal material.
- Personal history. Character letters from friends and family, evidence of a stable background, and no prior convictions can all aid in lowering punishments.
- Seeking treatment. Participation in a rehabilitation program can show a genuine interest in wanting to improve and a reduced risk of reoffending in the future.
- Motion for downward departure. You can seek a motion from the government that states you provided substantial assistance to the investigation, which can waive the minimum sentencing guidelines.
- Acceptance of responsibility. If a conviction seems certain, accepting your responsibility can be key in mitigating the case’s impact.
Hire a Federal Child Pornography Lawyer
One of the biggest determining factors in reducing the penalties in a conviction is having experienced legal counsel by your side. Hire a skilled Virginia federal child pornography lawyer who can assist you with your case. They can help you decide on which strategies match your situation, gather supporting evidence, and represent you both in and out of court.
In the vast majority of child pornography cases, the most important stage is the pretrial negotiations. Someone knowledgeable in both state and federal law can aid in these discussions. Since 99.5% of individuals sentenced for child pornography serve prison time, an attorney can advocate for a shorter imprisonment or a reduction in charges to a lesser crime.
Our team at Johnson/Citronberg has over thirty years of combined legal experience, skill, and knowledge in criminal law matters. We have spent decades representing the people of Alexandria, Arlington, Richmond, and throughout Virginia in their criminal defense cases. Co-founder and partner Cary Jacob Citronberg focuses primarily on representing federal child pornography cases and has been rated as a Super Lawyer.
FAQs
What Can Help Reduce Sentences in a Federal Child Pornography Conviction in Virginia?
In a Virginia federal child pornography case, there are many important steps you can take to reduce sentences on a conviction. First, hiring an experienced attorney as early in the process as possible can make a dramatic positive difference in any negotiations. Next, cooperate with the prosecution and discuss a plea bargain before going to trial. Demonstrating a strength of character and willingness to find a solution can reduce penalties.
How Much Does a Federal Child Pornography Lawyer Cost in Virginia?
How much your Virginia federal child pornography lawyer costs depends on the type of charges you face, the complexity of your case, and the work hours it requires. Someone with no criminal history accused of possession may pay less than a defendant with multiple prior convictions and accused of widespread trafficking. In our initial consultation, Johnson/Citronberg can provide an estimate for your final legal expenses.
Can Participation in Counseling or Treatment Programs Influence Sentencing Outcomes?
Sentencing outcomes in a Virginia federal child pornography case can be modified through participation in a counseling or treatment program. Psychological evaluation and therapy treatments specific to sex-offense disorders can demonstrate reduced risk of reoffense and a willingness to improve oneself. A letter from a therapist or other medical health authority can carry significant weight in the court’s deliberation.
What Should You Not Do When Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges in Virginia?
There are a few actions you should avoid in Virginia when facing charges for federal child pornography possession, trafficking, or receipt. Never speak to law enforcement without an attorney present, as even innocuous comments can be used against you. Avoid using social media or making any public or private statements on the case. Finally, do not hide or destroy any potentially relevant evidence.
Speak With a Virginia Federal Child Pornography Attorney Today
Our team at Johnson/Citronberg knows how daunting an allegation of possessing, creating, or receiving child pornography can be. Our team has the legal experience and knowledge that can aid you in this difficult period.
Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can discuss your case and provide strategies on how we can reduce potential sentences. You may also visit our Alexandria office, located a few blocks west of the Potomac River and Founders Park, and across the street from city hall.
