New Jersey Child Pornography Attorney
Child Porn Charges Lawyer in Haddonfield, NJ Defends Clients’ Rights in Camden County, Gloucester County, Burlington County, and Throughout South Jersey
The laws in New Jersey regarding child pornography are very clear and very strict. It is illegal to possess, download, view or distribute sexually explicit images or videos of any person under the age of 18, not just 16. Moreover, New Jersey law holds people who possess or distribute child pornography strictly liable for their actions, even if they don’t realize that the persons in the materials they are downloading or distributing are under the age of 18.
If you are facing charges of distributing or possessing child pornography, it is time to get a lawyer. At The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I have handled many child pornography cases and defended the rights of my clients. These cases can be incredibly stressful, as they carry harsh punishments including prison time, large fines, along with the requirements to register as a sex offender according to Megan’s Law and be subject to parole supervision for life. The consequences of a conviction will impact all aspects of your life for as long as you live.
This is why I work so tirelessly to build a strong defense and help you understand your options for seeking a resolution to the case. I am on your side every step of the way. I investigate all aspects of the case and raise all defenses possible. Many times, if we get the computer hard drive analyzed by an expert, we can mount a defense. Simply deleting the images from your computer is not enough to remove all evidence that you downloaded illicit materials – investigators have sophisticated software that allows them to recover files on your computer or phone even if you think you have deleted them.
Secure Your Future With Experienced and Dedicated Defense;Schedule a Free ConsultationWith Me, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Jill Cohen, to Fight For Your Rights and Seek The Justice You Deserve.
Child Pornography Crimes In New Jersey
If you use a file-sharing program, you will be held accountable for the distribution of the images. Moreover, images or videos are considered sexually explicit regardless of whether they depict someone engaging in sexual activity, engaging in simulated sexual activity, or are even simply partially or fully naked. Just downloading illicit images onto your computer or smartphone is sufficient to impose criminal liability,
A person who engages with materials that constitute child pornography face charges for endangering the welfare of a child.
Endangering the welfare of a child can include the possession of child pornography and downloading sexually explicit images or videos depicting such. Many people download such materials using “peer-to-peer” file-sharing software. Although people may believe that they are not sharing files that they download, “peer-to-peer” or torrent software means that these files are automatically available for others to download. Sharing illicit materials through file-sharing networks has been held by the courts to constitute conduct that endangers the welfare of children and almost certainly faces prison time.
Distribution of Child Pornography Charges in New Jersey
Downloading into a file sharing program can lead to criminal charges for Distribution of Child Pornography. The distribution of child pornography can subject you to penalties that include prison time, Megan’s Law sex offender registration, and parole supervision for life (PSL). In addition, you may be required to submit to a psychological and physical examination by the department of corrections to determine whether you need special supervision at a specific prison in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Remember, it is not a defense that you didn’t know that the child was underage or that you didn’t know that you were downloading the images into a file sharing program.
Jill Cohen Can Help You Fight Back Against Child Pornography Charges in Gloucester, Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Haddon Heights and other towns in South Jersey
I know many of the prosecutors in South Jersey and have represented many clients charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. There are certain things to do early on so that you will not have to go to prison. This includes negotiating with the prosecutor in your case to secure a favorable outcome. My strong relationships with the county prosecutors in New Jersey put me in a great bargaining position. In most of my cases, I am able to help my clients avoid jail time completely. Also, I can negotiate a deal that involves reduced charges for a much less serious crime.
Early intervention is the best possible scenario because once a person is indicted and tried, there are fewer defenses available. My goal is always to help my clients get the best possible outcome and avoid jail time. Sometimes, this can be accomplished by sending my clients for their own psychological examination to show that they are not a danger to the community. Many times, I refer clients to therapy with a licensed psychologist to demonstrate to the prosecutor that they are not a danger. Please understand that computer sex crime charges are very serious – so the sooner you seek my assistance, the better the result.
Finally, DO NOT capture images with programs such as QuickTime, as that makes the crime more severe. If you duplicate an image in any way, regardless of whether you are sharing the image with others, this can subject you to charges in the first-degree range and a possible prison term of 10 to 20 years. Again, early intervention is necessary to give yourself the best chance of winning the case and staying out of prison. Any reproduction of a sexual image or video of a juvenile is considered manufacturing under the New Jersey child endangerment statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4. The statute is extensive, so you will likely need help in navigating the child endangerment laws.
I Offer Free Case Evaluations to Consult With You About The Charges You Are Facing. Call Me at 856-858-1500 or Reach Out Through My Online Form to Schedule Your Consultation Today.
Contact Experienced Camden Computer Sex Crimes Attorney Jill Cohen to Discuss Your Child Pornography Charges
Many of my clients who have been charged with possession of child pornography don’t realize that what they have done is so grave. They lead very productive lives and are often wonderful parents and spouses. They are highly successful in the community and have lived law-abiding lives for many years. Getting help early can lessen any consequences that you may face in your NJ computer sex crimes case.
When child pornography is so prevalent on the internet, it is difficult to ignore it. Viewing child pornography on the computer in any way is a dangerous act. NJ law enforcement has ways to access many different sites, and they have access to your computer’s IP address.
Call me now to arrange a free and confidential consultation about your case. Many times, intervention with a sexual-specific counselor can help you avoid jail time. I have many contacts in the therapeutic community that will help you avoid severe consequences.
I did not expect my case to go so well but Jill found a way to really help me, I’m very grateful I chose her as my attorney and definitely would again in the future if needed.
Paige M.I cannot say enough good things about Jill and her staff… During one of the most trying times for me, not only did she support me, but she and her staff truly listened to me and, most importantly, had my best interest at heart. I will refer Jill to anyone that needs a hands-down professional, caring lawyer to get them through a difficult time.
Elizabeth S.She is very nice she works with you step-by-step, and she keeps you very informed about your case. She has great service, excellent workmanship, and she put her all into getting you the best results. Thanks a lot Jill R. Cohen.
Keshia D.Frequently Asked Questions About Child Pornography Charges in New Jersey
I didn’t know that the person or persons in the images or video on my computer were underage. Can I still be charged with child pornography offenses?
Yes. Child pornography statutes in New Jersey do not require you to have knowledge that the subject of the material was underage. All that the prosecution must prove is that the subject of the images or video was under the age of 18, engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity, and that you intentionally or knowingly possessed and/or distributed the material. Of course, I may know how to avoid the most serious violations.
Will I be required to register as a sex offender for a child pornography conviction?
You will likely be required to register as a sex offender if you plead guilty to or are convicted of a child pornography offense; your sex offender registration requirement may last for the rest of your life. There are alternative charges that allow you to avoid Megan’s Law and PSL. In addition, you will likely be subject to parole supervision for life, which will impose additional restrictions on your personal life. Finally, depending on the circumstances of your offense, you may be directed to undergo an evaluation to determine whether you qualify as a compulsive or repetitive sexual offender. If you are determined to be a sexual offender, you will face even more stringent restrictions on your life, including on where you may live or your ability to access the internet.
Do I have to remain under Megan’s law or parole supervision for the rest of my life?
No. Not necessarily. You must remain arrest and conviction-free for 15 years and then make a motion before a Superior Court to remove the restrictions. You can never apply before 15 years, and this cannot be negotiated or reduced by the prosecutor. You may have to undergo an evaluation before you apply, and I can prepare you to ensure that you will be granted permission by the court.
