A federal sex crime is considered any sexual offense that directly violates federal law and would be prosecuted in a federal court. For a sex crime to violate federal law, it would have to involve an activity that crosses state lines or takes place on federal property. Some examples of federal sex crimes include sex trafficking, child pornography distribution, internet sex crimes, and child sexual abuse. If you’re facing charges of a federal sex crime in Virginia, it is crucial to seek the help of a skilled attorney to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the case.
Virginia Federal Internet Sex Crime Lawyer
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Virginia Federal Internet Sex Crime Attorney
Technology is constantly evolving and creating new opportunities for interaction. We live in an age of information and limitless access to all sorts of content available on the internet. The rise of social media and various online platforms has made it easier to find yourself in a situation where you are charged with an internet sex crime. Make no mistake, these crimes are taken very seriously. If you are charged, reach out to a skilled Virginia federal internet sex crime lawyer at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC today for the legal representation and guidance you need.
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What Is an Internet Sex Crime?
An internet sex crime is a broad term that encapsulates virtually any sexually motivated crime that occurs through the internet. Many of these kinds of virtual sex crimes are prosecuted at the federal level due to the internet being an entity that crosses state lines and federal borders. Many of these types of crimes are aimed at children, who may be too naive to understand what is being asked of them over the internet.
There are many kinds of computer crimes, but internet sex crimes are different. The internet is always growing, and it is becoming increasingly easier to manipulate victims online. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of an internet sex crime charge, you should immediately reach out to a sex crime lawyer who can help you establish a strong defense and build a strategy to fight these charges. Understanding issues such as can law enforcement identify you without downloading anything can be critical when evaluating how an investigation began and how digital evidence may be used against you.
You should never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty, and no matter how much the police may try to intimidate or guilt you into admitting something, you don’t have to say a word to them if you don’t want to. You are afforded certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. These include your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. If you exercise these rights, you can start protecting your own interests. A criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and helping you build a strong defense.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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!
Common Internet Sex Crimes
Since technology is always changing and the nature of the internet is getting harder and harder to define, the federal legislation in place to protect victims of internet sex crimes is also constantly changing. Largely, this legislation is in place to protect the primary victims of internet sex crimes, which are children. Here are some examples of internet sex crimes that you could end up getting charged with:
- Child Pornography: In Virginia, child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of a minor under 18 years old engaging in sexual activity. The federal law is virtually the same. In certain corners of the internet, you may find people engaging in child pornography distribution, creation, and possession. If you are ever charged with any connection to child pornography, contact a lawyer immediately. Additionally, a minor can be charged with sexual abuse if involved in such offenses, which can carry severe legal consequences.
- Sex Solicitation: The act of two consenting adults chatting online and meeting up to have sex is not illegal. It becomes solicitation when it becomes transactional. If one person offers money in exchange for sexual favors, it is considered prostitution, and that is a felony in Virginia. Solicitation of a minor online is even worse, and if done online, it is considered an internet sex crime.
- Underage Sexting: It is not a crime to send sexually explicit text messages or emails to a consenting partner of legal age. However, if the person you are sending these messages to is under the age of 18, it is considered illegal sexting. You could be facing very high penalties for engaging in such behavior, and you should contact a sex crime lawyer as soon as you can.
Get Help with Your Federal Internet Sex Crime Case Today
Being charged with an internet sex crime can be a confusing and overwhelming experience that has the potential to cause untold devastation throughout your entire life. Sex crimes are not to be taken lightly, even ones that occur on the internet. It is vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself by hiring an experienced sex crimes lawyer for your case.
The legal team at Johnson/Citronberg can help you figure out a strong defense strategy for your case. We can help you build your case up, gather the right kind of evidence, and never stop advocating for your freedom. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case today.
Virginia Federal Internet Sex Crime 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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