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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
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Not Guilty College student rape case
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Not Guilty Child Pornography
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Charges Dropped Arson
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft
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Not Guilty DUI
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Acquittal Impeachment Trial
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Not Guilty Double Homicide
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Not Guilty Murder Case
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Not Guilty Rape case
Philadelphia Child Pornography Lawyer
Child Pornography Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Defending Against Serious Digital Allegations in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Having your name connected to an investigation by law enforcement into allegations of possession or distribution of child pornography can be enough to damage your reputation forever and harm your relationship with friends, co-workers, and family members. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our highly skilled Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys recognize the importance of an aggressive and innovative defense strategy to combat government efforts to remove your freedom.
If you are facing serious child pornography charges, don’t trust just anyone with your future. Our Philadelphia child pornography attorneys provide cutting-edge defense strategies. We are committed to protecting your reputation and your future.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth
We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.
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“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”- RB
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“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”- Bennie H.
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“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”- Former Client
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“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”- Quiana
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“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”- Leslie L.
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“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”- Ninel B.
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“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”- Frank A.
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“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”- Sewall M. Jr.
Defending Against Unwarranted Child Pornography Charges
The various crimes related to child pornography in Pennsylvania are classified as sexual abuse of children. Both state and federal laws pertaining to child pornography define a child as someone who is under 18 years of age.
The internet has made it easy to become the unwitting target of a criminal investigation into violation of the laws prohibiting the possession or viewing of images depicting children engaging in prohibited sexual acts. You might believe the person whose image you are viewing on your computer is at least 18 years of age, but even a bona fide belief on your part that the individual was at least 18 years old may not be an adequate defense to a criminal charge.
Leading Philadelphia criminal defense attorney Michael T. van der Veen and his trusted team of attorneys have handled several child pornography cases with favorable results. We know the laws pertaining to child pornography and which strategies to employ to obtain the outcome you need.
Pennsylvania Laws Pertaining to Child Pornography are Specific
Sexual abuse of children under state law includes a number of crimes related to child pornography, including:
- Photographing or filming of sexual acts: If the subject is under 18 years of age and is depicted engaging in a sexual act prohibited by law, it is a felony of the second degree. It is also a violation of this section of the law to allow a child to be photographed or filmed under such circumstances.
- Dissemination of photographs, depictions and films: Selling, distributing, delivering, transferring or possessing for sale of any books, films, photographs or computer images of an underage child engaged in a sex act or in a simulation of a sex act is a felony of the third degree.
- Child Pornography: The possession or control of books, photographs, films, computer depictions or other materials of a child under 18 years of age engaged in an actual or simulated sex act is a felony of the third degree. A second or subsequent offense is a felony of the second degree.
The conduct prohibited by Pennsylvania law may also be a violation of federal law. If interstate or foreign commerce is used or affected by the prohibited conduct, it can result in a federal investigation leading to criminal charges under the United States Code.
- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Assault
- Bail Hearings
- Child Pornography
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Possession
- DUI
- Expungements
- Federal Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Institutional Sexual Assault
- Internet Crimes
- Marijuana Possession
- Multiple DUI
- Murder
- Preliminary Hearings
- Probation Detainers
- Probation Violations
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Endangerment
- Red Flag Law
- Revenge Porn
- Sex Crimes
- Shoplifting
- Theft Crimes
- Underage DUI
- Vandalism
- Victimless Sex Offenses
- Weapons Offenses
- White Collar Crimes
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Pornography Charges in Philadelphia, PA
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!
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You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and avoid speaking with law enforcement without legal representation. Anything you say, even if you believe it is harmless, can be used against you. Investigations often involve seized computers, phones, cloud accounts, or internet records. An attorney can intervene early, protect your rights during questioning, advise you on what not to do, and begin preparing a defense before charges are formally filed. Early action is critical in these cases.
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Yes. Prosecutors may still pursue charges if illegal material is found on your device, even when it was downloaded automatically, sent by someone else, or stored without your knowledge. However, lack of intent is a powerful defense. Forensic analysis can demonstrate that files were downloaded without your involvement, were placed there by malware, or were never opened. An experienced defense attorney can work with digital forensic experts to challenge the prosecution’s claims about knowing possession or intentional viewing.
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Penalties vary depending on the specific offense, the number of images, prior convictions, and whether federal laws apply. Possession, dissemination, and production are felonies that can result in years of imprisonment, hefty fines, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong restrictions on employment, housing, and internet use. Federal charges often carry even harsher penalties. Because the consequences are severe and permanent, a strong defense strategy is essential to protect your future.
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Defense attorneys often challenge the legality of searches and seizures, the accuracy of digital evidence, and the methods used to link files to the accused. If law enforcement obtained evidence without a valid warrant or exceeded its scope, that evidence may be suppressed. Forensic experts can review metadata, download logs, malware activity, and device integrity to show that files were planted, unsolicited, or never accessed. An attorney can also question chain of custody, investigative procedures, and assumptions made by prosecutors.
in their own words
Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
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"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
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"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
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"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
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"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
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