Woodland Hills Child Pornography Lawyer

Woodland Hills Child Pornography Attorney

Any child pornography charge, whether for possession, distribution, or production, is one of the most serious crimes a person can face. If you have recently been accused of a related offense, a Woodland Hills child pornography lawyer can help you through this difficult period. An attorney can develop a strategic defense and advocate for you throughout the proceedings.

About The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein has spent years assisting the people of Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and communities throughout Los Angeles and Southern California in child pornography cases. Attorney James E. Silverstein has over two decades of experience handling a variety of criminal defense matters, ranging from simple assault to homicide charges.

Overview of Child Pornography Cases in California

Child pornography is a serious felony offense. In fiscal year 2024, 1,375 cases nationwide involved child pornography, representing a 34.4% increase since 2020. Of these offenses, 45.8% were sentenced for possession, 43.1% for trafficking child sexual abuse material, and 11.1% for receiving material. Of those found guilty, 99.5% were sentenced to prison.

Child pornography cases center around the possession, distribution, or creation of media that depicts a minor engaging in or simulating sexual conduct. Most Woodland Hills cases fall under the San Fernando Valley judicial district and are handled through the Los Angeles Superior Court at the Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Avenue in Van Nuys.

Types of Child Pornography Cases We Represent

The exact details of child pornography cases change on a case-by-case basis. The following are the main types of charges that The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein handles:

Possession

Child pornography possession occurs when someone knowingly possesses or controls illegal material. This includes photos, film, videos, software, computer files, or any data depicting child sexual conduct. Artificial-intelligence-generated media may also fall under applicable statutes, depending on the circumstances.

Child pornography possession is a felony, with first-time offenders subject to county jail sentences of up to one year and a $2,500 fine. Repeat offenders may be sentenced to two, four, or six years in state prison. Penalties may increase to state prison terms of 16 months or two to five years if items involve children under 12, sexual sadism or masochism, or more than 600 images.

Distribution

Distribution charges involve the knowing development, duplication, printing, or exchange of illegal material. The penalties for child pornography distribution can include a $2,000 fine and either up to a year in county jail for first-time offenders, or one year in state prison for repeat offenders.

Production

Child pornography production cases center around someone who knowingly facilitates the production of offending items. Those who employ or hire minors to produce media may be sentenced to up to one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine, which increases to $50,000 for repeat offenders. The use of coercion increases the time served to three, six, or eight years in state prison.

Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer

It can be overwhelming to be accused of a child pornography charge in Woodland Hills. While you may represent yourself in legal matters, the serious nature of these charges makes it strongly recommended that you hire a child pornography lawyer to assist with your case. Your Woodland Hills child pornography attorney can be at your side for each step of the proceedings.

A few critical services they can provide include:

• Advocate for you during the investigation and all meetings with law enforcement
• Build a strong defense case that matches your circumstances
• Examine the prosecution’s case for procedural errors or faulty arguments
• Represent you in all court appearances
• Negotiate on your behalf with the prosecution to lower any potential penalties

FAQs About Woodland Hills, CA Child Pornography Law

How Long Does a California Child Pornography Case Take to Resolve?

The time required to resolve a child pornography case in California depends on the complexity of the case, the jurisdiction involved, and the court’s workload. A local possession matter with an early plea agreement may take several months, whereas a federal case involving thousands of items and multiple parties may take years to conclude. Your attorney can provide a general timeline based on your situation.

What Is the Difference Between State and Federal Child Pornography Cases in California?

The main difference between state and federal child pornography cases in California is the jurisdiction. State-level offenses involve incidents in which offending material and related conduct remain within state borders. Cases may become federal matters if related media or commerce crosses state lines or international borders, or if a case involves a large-scale distribution operation.

How Much Does a Child Pornography Lawyer Cost in California?

How much your California child pornography lawyer costs depends on the severity of charges you face, the total number of offending images or material, and the workload for the firm. A first-time offender charged with possession of a small number of items typically costs less than representation against accusations of widespread, multi-state distribution and manufacturing operations. Your attorney can provide an estimate for legal fees in your initial consultation.

What Is the Average Prison Sentence for a Child Pornography Conviction in California?

The average prison sentence for child pornography convictions in California changes depending on the details involved in the case. The average sentence across the county for possession was 82 months in prison. Trafficking child porn had a higher median sentence of 151 months, while receiving had an average of 151 months. These should be seen as a loose framework, as your own potential penalties may differ.

Speak With a Woodland Hill Child Pornography Attorney Today

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein recognizes the challenges associated with child pornography charges. Our firm draws on years of criminal defense experience to guide clients through each stage of the legal process.

Contact us today to book your initial consultation with a Woodland Hills child pornography lawyer, during which we can learn your side of the story, discuss the charges you face, and provide potential pathways forward in your case. You may also visit our Calabasas office, located on Calabasas Road, south of the Ventura Freeway.