Child pornography charges are prosecuted in both federal and state courts. The charges filed in state court can also be prosecuted in juvenile court, district court or superior court. Lawyer Richard Sweeney has handled some of the most high-profile child pornography cases in Massachusetts history. Our criminal defense attorneys serving clients in Boston and all throughout Massachusetts have represented clients facing child pornography charges in juvenile, district, superior courts and federal court throughout the Commonwealth.

Our defense strategy always takes into account whether the charges are brought in federal court, superior court, district court, or juvenile court. The sentence you face is very much dependent on which court your case is in. Our goal is always to resolve your case in a way that protects your reputation, family and future as much as possible. Sometimes this means going to trial, and other times, it means negotiating the best possible plea agreement to avoid mandatory minimum sentences and sex offender registration.

Massachusetts Child Pornography Defense

What Type of Lawyer Do You Need for Child Pornography Charges?

If you or someone you know is facing child pornography charges, you need an advocate who is on your side. It is imperative that you speak with a highly experienced criminal defense attorney right away to look into your child pornography accusations.

Do not wait until you get arrested to consult a lawyer. The sooner we get involved in your case, the better the outcome will be. If you have already been charged with a sex crime, call us today.

Understanding Penalties for Child Pornography Crimes in Massachusetts

Possession of Child Pornography: M.G.L. c. 272 § 29C

• Up to 5 years in state prison

Posing a Child in State of Nudity or Sexual Conduct: M.G.L. c. 272 § 29A

• 10 to 20 years in prison

Dissemination of Child Pornography: M.G.L. c. 272 § 29B

• 10 to 20 years in prison

A person convicted of possession, dissemination or production of child pornography will be required to register as a sex offender in accordance with Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) regulations, and can also face fines in the thousands of dollars. Read more about Massachusetts child pornography penalties here.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Child Pornography

An individual's sentence in federal court is governed by the federal sentencing guidelines, which contain enhancements that increase the length of the sentence. While judges have discretion and can deviate from the sentencing range by either increasing or decreasing a person's sentence, the judges will usually impose a sentence that is within the sentencing range suggested by the guidelines.

In the case of child pornography, sentencing enhancements include:

• The nature of the images
• The number of images
• Whether or not a computer was used to commit the crime
• The age of the children
• Whether or not violence was used against the child

While quite a few federal judges have spoken out about the inequities of these enhancements, it is still uncommon for a federal judge to impose a sentence below the sentencing range suggested by the guidelines.

While it may be uncommon for a judge to depart from the guidelines, it happens more frequently in child pornography cases than other types of cases. You need an attorney who is knowledgeable about sentencing enhancements and the arguments that need to be made to persuade the judge to impose a sentence that is below what the guidelines suggest.

Federal Penalties for Child Pornography Crimes

Production of Child Pornography: 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) 

• 15 to 30 years in prison

Distribution of Child Pornography: 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2)

• 5 to 20 years in prison

Possession of Child Pornography: 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B)

• Up to 10 years in prison

Receipt of Child Pornography: 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2)

• 5 to 20 years in prison

Get Legal Help for Child Pornography Accusations in Massachusetts

Please contact us online or call us at (617) 300-0212 for a confidential consultation so our criminal defense attorneys can begin building your defense immediately. We are responsive 24/7, offer fixed and hourly billing rates, and accept all major credit cards. We serve clients in Boston and throughout the State of Massachusetts.

Our Massachusetts child pornography attorneys can give you the legal counsel you need. Contact us today!

Additional Resources for Understanding Child Pornography Laws

1. Citizen's Guide to U.S. Federal Law on Child Pornography from the U.S. Department of Justice
2. Information on the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board
3. Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts