Astoria Child Pornography Lawyer

There are few things more difficult than facing allegations related to child pornography. Public opinion regarding the possession of child pornography makes these allegations challenging to deal with – and that’s without even having been convicted of the offense.

You have the right to defend yourself against these serious allegations. With the help of dedicated defense attorney Mike Schillinger, you can fight back to avoid a criminal conviction and have your name cleared. Contact an Astoria child pornography lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense strategy.

What Are Child Pornography Laws in Astoria?

New York State Law imposes heavy penalties on anyone who possesses child sexual abuse material. This offense is specifically targeted at any recording of a sexual performance by a child, including any sexual performance by a child under the age of 16. The law also applies to certain recorded acts by someone under the age of 17.

Merely possessing or using this type of material is a criminal act that could result in steep, life-altering consequences, including incarceration, probation, serious fines, and sex offender registration.

Each child pornography offense is a felony, meaning a conviction could keep you behind bars for many years. You could also face steep monetary fines and be required to register as a sex offender. These consequences could impact every aspect of your life, potentially preventing you from securing employment or finding housing. An experienced defense attorney can advocate on your behalf and help increase your chances of beating a child pornography charge.

How to Defend Against Child Pornography Charges

Anyone facing these adolescent pornography charges has the right to a vigorous defense. While many people assume that a conviction is unavoidable in these cases, there are many situations where the police make an arrest without enough evidence to convict the accused. In some cases, law enforcement may even arrest someone who has done nothing wrong.

A strong defense strategy could ensure your charges are dismissed or help you secure a favorable outcome at trial. Mike Schillinger is a knowledgeable lawyer in Astoria who can advise you on your options, possible defense strategies, and help you collect the evidence needed to prove your innocence in a child pornography case.

One such strategy can be challenging the strength of the government’s evidence. The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – the highest burden in our legal system; when it cannot produce the necessary proof of a crime, the jury must acquit the defendant.

Other common defenses include proving the accused did not know they possessed pornography involving a minor. You may also be able to challenge the tactics that law enforcement and prosecutors use. For instance, there are limits on how and when the police can search your property. You may be entitled to evidentiary hearings where you can challenge the search and seizure of the government’s evidence, and if the police based their arrest on illegally seized evidence, that evidence could be excluded at trial. Without that evidence, it may become impossible for the prosecutor to prove the case against you.

Speak With an Experienced Child Pornography Defense Attorney in Astoria Today

When you are arrested for possessing child pornography, you need legal counsel to prepare you for the potential outcome of your case. This process is challenging, and you are likely feeling overwhelmed, but an attorney like Mike Schillinger can help you secure a favorable outcome in your case. Call an Astoria child pornography lawyer today to learn more and schedule a confidential consultation.