Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Lake County, Illinois, is a vibrant area characterized by its beautiful landscapes, strong communities, and easy access to Chicago. While the region offers many advantages, it is also home to individuals facing life-changing legal battles, including allegations of possession of child pornography. These charges are among the most severe under Illinois law, carrying significant penalties and lifelong consequences. If charged under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, it is crucial to seek the help of our Lake County possession of child pornography defense lawyer immediately.
The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg is committed to defending individuals accused of possession of child pornography in Lake County. With years of experience, we provide aggressive and compassionate legal defense to protect our clients’ rights.
Illinois Laws on Possession of Child Pornography
Under Illinois law, possession of child pornography is a felony offense defined by 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1. The statute criminalizes the knowing possession, access, or distribution of material depicting minors engaged in explicit sexual conduct. Whether the material is stored on a personal device or accessed via the internet, each instance can be charged separately, compounding the potential penalties.
The severity of the charges depends on the age of the minor depicted. Possessing material involving minors under 18 years old constitutes a Class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years in prison and fines up to $25,000. If the material involves minors under 13 years old, the charge increases to a Class 2 felony, carrying a penalty of three to seven years in prison. Convictions also mandate registration as a sex offender under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act (730 ILCS 150).
How Child Pornography Cases Are Investigated
Cases often begin with digital surveillance by law enforcement or reports from internet service providers. Companies like Dropbox, Google, and Facebook use automated detection tools to flag potentially illegal material. Once flagged, the information is sent to law enforcement for investigation.
Law enforcement may obtain a search warrant to examine electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and external drives. Evidence such as file metadata, search history, and IP address logs is collected to establish a link between the defendant and the illegal material.
Defending Against Charges in Lake County
Defending against child pornography charges requires an in-depth understanding of Illinois law and digital forensics. Common defense strategies include:
- Lack of Knowledge: Arguing that the defendant was unaware of the presence of the material.
- Unauthorized Access: Demonstrating that another individual had access to the device in question.
- Procedural Violations: Challenging improperly obtained evidence or invalid search warrants.
- Technical Errors: Questioning the accuracy of digital forensic tools.
The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg thoroughly investigates every case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Call Lake County Sex Offense Defense Attorney David Freidberg For a Free Consultation
If you are facing sex crime charges in Lake County, Illinois, the Law Offices of David L. Freidberg is here to help. We offer free consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and provide immediate legal guidance. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442. We proudly serve clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and throughout Illinois. Let us fight for your rights and your future.
