East St. Louis Federal Child Pornography Lawyer

Federal Child Pornography Attorney in East St. Louis, IL

Facing federal child pornography charges is a life-altering situation. These charges can damage your criminal record, reputation, career, and family. If you or a loved one has been accused of federal child pornography, you need to contact an East St. Louis federal child pornography lawyer immediately. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help you safeguard your future.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

Jessica Koester is an attorney with over 20 years of trial experience in state and federal courts. She excels at developing thorough legal strategies for intricate cases while maintaining effective client representation under intense pressure. An East St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer from our firm can provide comprehensive federal defense services from pretrial motions through trial proceedings.

Federal Child Pornography Laws

Federal laws specifically address child pornography. The law 18 U.S.C. § 2252 makes it illegal to transport, receive, distribute, or reproduce visual materials featuring minors in sexual acts with knowledge of their content.

18 U.S.C. § 2252A broadens the types of material covered to include not just visual images but electronic and computer-generated media. Any individual who uses computers or the internet to possess or distribute child pornography commits a criminal act under federal law, which spans interstate and foreign commerce.

Federal Child Pornography Penalties

According to federal records, 1,375 defendants received sentences for child pornography offenses in federal court out of 61,678 total defendants during FY2024. During child pornography prosecutions, possession constituted 45.8% of convictions, while trafficking resulted in 43.1% and receipt of child pornography led to 11.1% of convictions.

Penalties are very severe. A first-time offender can be sentenced to 5 years to life in prison, while a repeat offender faces up to 40 years. Offenders are required to pay assessments and victim restitution and will likely be subject to several years of supervised release upon release from custody.

What to Do if Charged

If you’ve been charged with a federal child pornography crime in East St. Louis, time is of the essence. The extreme severity of penalties and active investigations in federal child pornography cases makes immediate protection of your rights the most crucial step. Speak to your attorney exclusively about your case and refrain from permitting searches or interviews until you have received legal consultation.

Secure all relevant documents and digital evidence while recording the investigation’s origin, and consult with a qualified federal criminal defense attorney with experience in your case. It’s never too early to start developing your defense. A prompt defense strategy determines the filing of charges and which evidence can be disputed while securing your defense.

Hire a Federal Child Pornography Lawyer

Having a federal child pornography lawyer means having someone on your side who is knowledgeable about the federal system, technology-based evidence, and ways to minimize your sentencing exposure.

For cases involving federal sex crimes where the penalties reach extremely high levels, you require a lawyer with complete knowledge of criminal procedure and professional evidence. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation.