Criminal Defense Lawyers

Boca Raton Possession of Child Pornography Lawyers

Boca Raton Possession of Child Pornography Lawyers

Possession of child pornography is a very serious offense that carries steep penalties in Boca Raton and across Florida. If you or a loved one finds themselves facing charges, it is critical to seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can analyze the details of your case, build a strong defense, and fight to protect your rights.

Overview of Florida Child Pornography Laws

Florida laws around child pornography are very strict, considering these materials to be severely abusive. It is illegal to possess, promote, or distribute pornography depicting minors under the age of 18. The definition of “promote” is quite broad – it includes copying, transferring, uploading, or even showing illicit images or videos to another person. Distributing child pornography to a minor under 16 is a separate felony offense with even harsher penalties1.Even downloading or viewing child pornography on the internet can lead to criminal charges for possession. Prosecutors do not need to prove that you actually sought out the illegal images. Simply having them stored on a computer or device that you own is enough to warrant charges in many cases.

Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography

A conviction for possession of child pornography – even a single illicit file – carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 21 months under Florida law, with no possibility of parole or early release. The maximum penalty is 5 years in state prison. Possessing 10 or more illegal images bumps the charge up to a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years behind bars2.On top of incarceration, those found guilty also face steep fines up to $10,000. They must also register as a sex offender, which brings a number of restrictive probation terms and public shaming that lasts a minimum of 25 years after release from custody.

Building an Effective Legal Defense

Facing charges for child pornography can feel completely overwhelming. However, an experienced Boca Raton criminal defense lawyer can carefully examine the details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Some potential defenses include:

Lack of Criminal Intent – Simply viewing or downloading illicit materials is not enough to warrant criminal charges. Prosecutors must be able to prove that you intentionally sought out child pornography. For example, if someone sent you an unsolicited image that automatically downloaded to your device, you may lack the necessary criminal intent.

Invalid Search Warrant – If police seized your electronic devices or storage media through an invalid search warrant, the evidence may be excluded from your case. An attorney can scrutinize the warrant to check for technical errors or lack of probable cause.

False Accusations – You may be the victim of false allegations resulting from a bitter divorce, hostile workplace environment, or other personal disputes. While child pornography charges tend to be viewed in a very negative light, an attorney can carefully examine the facts to show you have been wrongly accused.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Unauthorized Access – It’s possible that illegal files were downloaded through malware or because someone else accessed your devices without your consent. Thorough digital forensic analysis can help demonstrate unauthorized access leading to false charges.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

Because the penalties for child pornography offenses are so severe, the quality of legal representation makes an immense difference. Be sure to choose an attorney with specific experience defending against these types of allegations in Boca Raton and surrounding areas of Florida.

During an initial consultation, a lawyer should be willing to ask difficult questions in order to understand all details that may impact your defense. Do they seem fully focused on your case? Are they judgement-free and willing to keep an open mind? It’s also important to understand their track record dealing with similar charges.

The costs of legal representation can add up quickly. Be sure to discuss attorneys’ fees and payment plans upfront, so you know what to expect. Some may offer flat rates or flexible payment options.