Beverly Child Pornography Defense Lawyers
- Illinois now calls these offenses child sexual abuse material offenses. Possession is a felony, with penalties that depend on the material and the child's age.
- State and federal charges carry serious penalties. Some federal offenses have mandatory minimum prison sentences.
- Digital evidence is often central to the defense, including whether you knowingly possessed the files and whether police searched your devices lawfully.
Child Pornography Defense Attorneys Representing Clients Facing Charges in Cook County, Illinois
A child pornography accusation can affect your job, family, and reputation before your case reaches court. Investigators may seize your computer, phone, and other devices. However, being accused does not mean the prosecution can prove you committed a crime. You have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before answering questions.
At Komie and Associates, we defend clients facing serious sex crime allegations throughout Cook County. Attorney Stephen Komie has extensive criminal defense experience and has received recognition from Super Lawyers.
Charged with a Crime?
Call Komie and Associates at 312-263-2800 to schedule your consultation — we know exactly how to fight for you.
How Illinois Defines Child Sexual Abuse Material
Illinois law uses the term child sexual abuse material (CSAM) instead of child pornography. The offense involves certain sexual images or videos depicting children under 18. The law also covers certain images created or altered using artificial intelligence.
Prosecutors can pursue charges for possessing, sharing, reproducing, or producing prohibited material. Each unlawful image or video may support a separate charge. However, identical copies do not create separate possession offenses under the statute. These are serious state crimes that can involve multiple felony counts.
Penalties for Child Pornography Convictions in Illinois
The penalties depend on the type of material and the conduct involved. Possessing a prohibited still image is generally a Class 3 felony, carrying two to five years in prison. Possessing a video or other moving depiction is generally a Class 2 felony, carrying three to seven years. The penalties can increase when the child depicted is under 13.
Distribution and production charges carry harsher penalties. Depending on the circumstances, these offenses may be Class 1 or Class X felonies.
Federal Child Pornography Charges and Penalties
Some investigations result in federal child pornography charges. Federal authorities may become involved when prohibited material is shared online or otherwise meets federal interstate-commerce requirements. Investigations often begin with reports from online platforms.
Under federal law, a first conviction for receiving or distributing prohibited material carries five to 20 years in federal prison. A first federal possession conviction ordinarily carries up to 10 years. The maximum increases to 20 years when the material depicts a prepubescent child or a child under 12. Certain prior convictions can increase these penalties.
"Mr. Komie and his team guided me through a painful, complicated case with confidence and expertise. They were completely thorough and compassionate at the same time. The rates were reasonable considering the effort involved. Justin was great, and Mary at the front office is exceptional. I would not have made it through this ordeal without her. Mr. Komie and his team are legal specialists that I highly recommend."
Defending Against CSAM Charges in Beverly, IL
Defending against pornography offenses often requires a careful review of digital evidence. Prosecutors must prove the required knowledge or voluntary possession. Finding files on a device does not always establish who downloaded them or whether the owner knew they were there.
Our attorneys examine how investigators found the files and whether police followed the law. Important questions include:
- Who had access to the device?
- Were files downloaded or saved without the user's knowledge?
- Did investigators have a valid search warrant?
- Did police search beyond the warrant's limits?
- Does the forensic evidence establish knowing possession?
A digital forensic review may reveal when files appeared, which accounts accessed them, and whether they were opened. If police violated your constitutional rights, we may seek to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Pornography Charges in Beverly
You can be charged, but prosecutors must prove the required knowledge or voluntary possession. Files saved without your awareness or placed on a shared device by someone else can raise questions about responsibility. Digital evidence may help establish what happened.
You have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before answering questions. Statements about passwords, internet activity, or other device users could become evidence against you. Avoid deleting files or interfering with evidence while the investigation continues.
An Illinois child sexual abuse material conviction ordinarily requires registration. The period commonly lasts 10 years, but certain convictions and classifications require lifetime registration. The specific requirements depend on your offense and criminal history.
Contact Our Beverly, IL Child Pornography Defense Attorneys Today
A child pornography investigation can move quickly, making early legal guidance important. At Komie and Associates, we examine forensic evidence, challenge unlawful searches, and prepare defenses for serious state and federal charges. Our goal is to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Contact our Beverly, Illinois child pornography defense lawyers or call 312-263-2800 to schedule a consultation.
Stephen Komie is battle-tested in the courtroom and has spent over 40 years fighting for clients facing serious criminal charges.
- 40+ years representing clients in state, federal & international trials
- Argued 5 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer (National Trial Lawyers & American Trial Lawyers Association)
- Author of the Attorney's Bill of Rights, adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court
- Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
- Founder, Komie and Associates
Practice Areas
Cook County Circuit Court
2650 S California Ave #526 Chicago, IL 60608
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From our office in Chicago, Illinois we serve clients throughout the state including but not limited to Joliet, Bridgeview, Wheaton, Rolling Meadows, Lombard, Skokie, Morris, Ottawa, Princeton, Cambridge, Waukegan, LaSalle, Bureau, Peoria, Bloomington, Rockford, Quincy, Macomb, McHenry, Springfield, Rock Island, East St. Louis, Belleville, Elizabethtown, Cook County, Winnebago County, Kane County, Lake County, DuPage County, Jo Daviess County and Northeast Illinois.
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