Norfolk, VA Child Pornography Lawyer
Contact Johnson/Citronberg | (855) 959-4003
Norfolk, VA Child Pornography Attorney
In Norfolk and the state of Virginia, convictions for child pornography crimes come with serious associated criminal penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Therefore, if you or your loved one are facing child pornography charges in the area, it is critical to seek experienced legal representation. An experienced Norfolk, VA, child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg can help you fight back against these charges.
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!
Child Pornography Charges in Norfolk, Virginia
A child pornography conviction comes with serious penalties to discourage the occurrence of these offenses. The ultimate goal is to protect minors under the age of 18, but the penalties can be applied incorrectly or in an extreme manner. Individuals facing child pornography charges can potentially have a significant accident or one-time slip that has disastrous consequences for the rest of their lives. Understanding defenses to child pornography charges is essential in such cases, as experienced legal counsel can identify potential defenses such as lack of knowledge, improper seizure of evidence, or mistaken identity, all of which can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
According to Virginia law, child pornography crimes are offenses that involve the manufacturing, distribution, possession, or consumption of material that features minors under the age of 18 engaging in sexually explicit or lewd behavior. Child pornography charges in Virginia come with severe consequences, including not only criminal penalties imposed by the state but collateral consequences, such as a damaged professional and personal life.
At Johnson/Citronberg, it is not uncommon for our experienced criminal defense lawyers to run into cases where defendants did not have the intention of distributing or possessing child porn material or were even unaware that it was in their possession. If you have been charged with crimes involving videos, photographs, or other digital material that is considered to be child pornography, it is critical to have experienced and knowledgeable legal representation.
How Can a Norfolk, Virginia Child Pornography Lawyer Help Me?
An experienced criminal defense lawyer who has an extensive track record handling similar child pornography cases to yours from Johnson/Citronberg can help you protect your rights and secure optimal case outcomes. Understanding the child pornography sentencing guidelines is crucial, as these guidelines can significantly influence the penalties you may face. Specifically, a lawyer from our firm can help you in the following ways:
- Investigating your case. A lawyer from our firm can work to understand the charges you face and the associated evidence. We can launch a deep dive into the case against you, including digital data and records of communication, to understand whether it is enough to substantiate the charges against you.We can also determine if it has been tampered with or obtained illegally. We can ensure that specific legal procedures were carried out lawfully, requesting that unlawfully obtained evidence be suppressed.
- Equipping you with knowledge. When it comes to serious charges, such as child-related charges, it is critical to understand the charges you’re facing, as well as your potential penalties and outcomes. A compassionate legal representative from our team can help you understand these crucial details, which are critical for protecting your rights and developing a strong defense strategy.
- Crafting a robust defense strategy. A skilled lawyer from our firm can help you mount a personalized defense strategy that fits your case details. We can look into options such as arguing that another person accessed your computer and downloaded or shared the child porn content, that you have been mistaken for another person, that the evidence against you was obtained through unlawful search and seizure, or that you were not aware you possessed the material.
- Fighting on your behalf. A criminal defense lawyer from our team can serve as your biggest advocate, bringing forward strong legal arguments with supporting evidence, such as statements from expert witnesses, to challenge the prosecution’s charges against you. In some cases, a plea deal may be optional. If your case necessitates a plea deal, we can work to secure negotiations to reduce subsequent penalties.
Overall, a Norfolk, VA, child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg is here to provide you with critical legal representation to fight for optimal case outcomes. We can help you fight against your charges by leveraging various legal strategies, ultimately minimizing the criminal penalties and collateral damages with your case.
Norfolk, VA 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.
Get Help with Your Child Pornography Case from an Experienced Lawyer
If you are facing child pornography charges in Norfolk, Virginia, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and devastated. An experienced child pornography lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg is here to guide you through the criminal defense process, developing and implementing a strong defense on your behalf.
Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Law in Virginia for Child Pornography?
In Virginia, child pornography crimes are considered to include the production, possession, distribution, or solicitation of material that exhibits minors in a lewd manner or engaging in sexual activity. Such offenses are felonies in the state, with convictions leading to hefty fines, long periods in prison, and required registration as a sex offender. Section 18.2-374.1:1 of the Virginia Code specifically outlines the laws and penalties for child pornography crimes.
What Child Pornography Crimes Have Statute of Limitations in Virginia?
There are no statutes of limitations for felony crimes, including child pornography crimes, in the state of Virginia. This means that a person can face charges for committing child porn crimes long after the date of the alleged offense has passed. If you are facing charges for a child pornography crime that allegedly happened long ago, it is critical to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight back against the charges.
How Long Do You Have to Be on the Sex Offender Registry in Virginia for Child Porn?
In the state of Virginia, child pornography crimes are generally classified as Tier III offenses, meaning that individuals convicted of such crimes will need to be registered for the rest of their lives. There are certain instances in which an offender can petition to be removed from the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. However, this is rare. It is recommended to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to understand the conditions of your registry.
Is Child Pornography a Tier 3 Sex Offense in Virginia?
Yes, in Virginia, child pornography crimes are usually classified as Tier III sex offenses for the purposes of the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. More serious child pornography crimes, including the distribution and production of child pornography, tend to be exclusively classified as Tier III. As Tier III offenses are considered to be the most serious, this requires sex offender registration for a lifetime, leading to serious restrictions on freedom and constant monitoring.
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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