Child Pornography Charges Lawyer

Besides worrying about potential penalties, including long prison sentences, individuals facing child pornography charges also face severe social stigmatization. As with other sex crimes, anyone accused of child pornography is likely to lose friends, employment, and other social connections. In Canada, anyone convicted of child pornography must live with a permanent sex offence record.

Child pornography is such a serious offence that it can ruin a person’s life. In addition to limiting a convict’s career choices, the permanent sex offender’s record limits their educational opportunities, housing options, and other social and economic opportunities.

Unfortunately, since child pornography is a sensitive and serious offence, it is prone to malicious and false accusations. People with ulterior motives can use the child pornography criminal process to settle personal scores. Additionally, unless they believe there is no reasonable prospect of finding the accused person guilty, Crown Attorneys rarely drop or withdraw child pornography charges.

Child pornography charges can be complicated, long, and exhausting. Therefore, it is critical to seek the help of an experienced and skilled child pornography defence lawyer to defend your rights when facing these charges. Despite all the complications, it is still possible to have the Crown Attorneys drop child pornography charges.

Some of the most common defence strategies that experienced child pornography defence lawyers use to get charges dropped include:

1. Mistaken Identity Defense

Typically, child pornography charges involve downloading, accessing, and/or distributing related materials using a computer or over the internet. A skilled lawyer can help you challenge your identity as the person responsible for downloading, accessing, and/or distributing child porn material. It is a strong defence, especially if you can prove that the computer is shared or that you are not the only one who has access to it.

A skilled and experienced lawyer can convince the prosecution of your unintended possession of child pornography material. For example, they can make the case that the prohibited material does not belong to you, and you were unaware of its existence. However, for the mistaken identity defence to be successful, you must only speak with your lawyer. Generally, you need the guidance of a child pornography lawyer to avoid incriminating yourself in these often emotive and sensitive charges.

2. Computer Hacking Defense

Just like the mistaken identity defence, you can claim unintended possession using the computer hacking defence. In this case, you may need the services of a computer forensic expert to prove computer hacking or remote third party use, including virus and malware attacks. In this case, someone else illegally accessed your computer and downloaded or even distributed the child pornography material without your knowledge or consent.

Despite the complicated technical aspect, you should avoid speaking to the authorities about any charges without a child pornography lawyer. In most cases, the police will try to use the technological confusion to get you to admit to downloading and distributing the prohibited material. Proving computer hacking can easily get the charges dropped, as it significantly reduces the Crown Attorneys’ reasonable prospect of getting a conviction.

3. The ‘Illegal Search Warrant’ Defense

While most child pornography searches and seizures are conducted with judicial authorization or a search warrant, sometimes, the police can make procedural errors. The errors may violate an individual’s rights, hence making the search warrant illegal. For instance, the police can use unconstitutional means to obtain a search warrant, including lying.

The police may also be at fault for searches and seizures beyond the search warrant’s scope. However, a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can use these procedural errors to defend a child pornography case. Typically, the lawyer will get the Crown Attorneys to quash the search or arrest warrant.

Quashing the warrant makes related search or seizure illegal and ultimately excludes obtained evidence, including from electronic devices that a suspect can use to download, access, and/or distribute child pornography material. Excluding the evidence helps the lawyer successfully challenge the charges, as the prosecution might lack a reasonable prospect of conviction.

4. Challenging the Classification of the Material as Child Porn

Another possible defence in a child pornography case is challenging the classification of the prohibited material as child porn. Essentially, child pornography has specific definitions under the law, including the age of the person depicted in the material. The defence can be successful if you can prove that the individuals depicted in the material are above 18 years old.

Generally, if the Crown Attorneys cannot prove that the individuals are children, then the material cannot be legally classified as child pornography. Additionally, a skilled child pornography defence lawyer can also successfully argue that the material is meant to serve an educational or scientific purpose as an alternative defence.

Why You Need a Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

In addition to the severe consequences, child pornography charges are complicated, and you risk costly mistakes without the help of a skilled lawyer, including incriminating yourself.

Child pornography accusations are also sensitive and emotive, and you may not be in the right frame of mind to defend yourself in court. A lawyer can also help you engage other professionals, including computer forensic experts, as part of your defence.

Contact a Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Ontario

Child pornography charges can have severe consequences, including sex offender registration, lengthy prison sentences, and social stigmatization. With these accusations putting your future at stake, it is critical to have an Ontario child pornography defence lawyer who understands the technological aspect of child pornography charges.

If you or a loved one is facing child pornography charges, contact our skilled and experienced child pornography defence lawyer at Vilkhov Law. We are committed to defending your rights, including getting the Crown Attorneys to withdraw or drop the charges.

By |2022-09-19T17:08:36+00:00February 22nd, 2022|Child Pornography Charges|
Criminal Lawyers Association
Toronnto Lawyers Association
Law Society of Ontario
Criminal Lawyers Association
Toronnto Lawyers Association
Law Society of Ontario

TESTIMONIALS

Thanks Igor for all your help throughout my criminal process. I have never been charged before and I think Igor really helped ease my nerves through the entire process. When I was initially charged I called a couple of other firms but I ended up retaining Igor because when we spoke on the phone he spent a lot of time to explain what I was charged with and what it all means, I felt the most comfortable when talking to him. As my case progressed, he really took the time to explain my options and the probability of each one, so I really appreciated that and I felt less confused with all the various legal proceedings.
My son was charged with DUI and I hired Igor to represent his matter. Overall, my experience with Igor was great and my son felt really comfortable working with Igor as well. As a parent, I was really concerned about the entire process and even though my son is considered an adult, I was extremely involved the entire time. I really liked that Igor respected my concerns as a worried parent and always ensured any meetings or conversations were held with me present as much as possible, if I wasn’t available to attend a meeting and only him and my son were able to meet, Igor would reach out to update me. I would most definitely recommend Igor to others.
He is caring, honest, and highly knowledgeable in his field. I was charged with domestic assault a few months ago, I was initially with another lawyer but got fed up with the unresponsiveness (didn’t answer my calls or emails), I decided to look for someone else. Igor came highly recommended from a friend and I’m glad I went with him. He knows his stuff and fought hard for my case. Compared to other lawyers I’ve dealt with, day and night.
I cannot recommend Igor Vilkhov enough. I was charged with possession and trafficking, I was going through a tough time in my life at the time and I am glad I was able to find a lawyer who is genuinely passionate about what he does. I was kept consistently updated throughout the entire process and I couldn’t believe the positive outcome. While reviewing my case, he located a significant error on the part of the police. I can honestly say that his work is meticulous and his ability to negotiate is something else. If you are looking for a quality criminal defence lawyer, I can’t say enough good things about Igor.

TESTIMONIALS

Thanks Igor for all your help throughout my criminal process. I have never been charged before and I think Igor really helped ease my nerves through the entire process. When I was initially charged I called a couple of other firms but I ended up retaining Igor because when we spoke on the phone he spent a lot of time to explain what I was charged with and what it all means, I felt the most comfortable when talking to him. As my case progressed, he really took the time to explain my options and the probability of each one, so I really appreciated that and I felt less confused with all the various legal proceedings.
My son was charged with DUI and I hired Igor to represent his matter. Overall, my experience with Igor was great and my son felt really comfortable working with Igor as well. As a parent, I was really concerned about the entire process and even though my son is considered an adult, I was extremely involved the entire time. I really liked that Igor respected my concerns as a worried parent and always ensured any meetings or conversations were held with me present as much as possible, if I wasn’t available to attend a meeting and only him and my son were able to meet, Igor would reach out to update me. I would most definitely recommend Igor to others.
He is caring, honest, and highly knowledgeable in his field. I was charged with domestic assault a few months ago, I was initially with another lawyer but got fed up with the unresponsiveness (didn’t answer my calls or emails), I decided to look for someone else. Igor came highly recommended from a friend and I’m glad I went with him. He knows his stuff and fought hard for my case. Compared to other lawyers I’ve dealt with, day and night.
I cannot recommend Igor Vilkhov enough. I was charged with possession and trafficking, I was going through a tough time in my life at the time and I am glad I was able to find a lawyer who is genuinely passionate about what he does. I was kept consistently updated throughout the entire process and I couldn’t believe the positive outcome. While reviewing my case, he located a significant error on the part of the police. I can honestly say that his work is meticulous and his ability to negotiate is something else. If you are looking for a quality criminal defence lawyer, I can’t say enough good things about Igor.

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