Mar 21, 2024

Alabama Child Pornography Defense Lawyers

If you’re facing federal child pornography charges in Alabama, you’re probably terrified – and you should be. Federal prosecutors have a 95% conviction rate. You’re looking at 5-30 years in federal prison. That’s not a theory i’m just writing online to scare you – that’s the federal sentencing guidelines for your charges which are mandated. There’s no real negotiation. This is going to happen. You’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one. Every hour matters in federal cases. The FBI has already been investigating you for months before you even knew about it.

You Don’t Understand What You’re Facing

You think this is like state court. It’s not. Federal child pornography cases are different – and the stakes are higher. The mandatory minimum sentence is 5 years for receipt or distribution. 15 years minimum for production. These aren’t suggestions—these are mandatory minimums that judges can’t go below. You don’t understand federal sentencing guidelines. You don’t know mandatory minimums. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Our team of top rated criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough federal cases. Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients. His experience has led to him handling thousands of tough cases. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets, like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey.

The Federal Government Is Coming After You – ASAP

If you have received a target letter, or federal authorities have come to your doorstep alleging you broke the law, you should hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer – ASAP. You don’t really have a choice – you need an attorney. The federal government has virtually unlimited resources, and they’re coming after you. That’s where we come in. Our premier law firm isn’t like other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors. We focus on winning cases – and getting the best possible outcome for our clients.

Federal child pornography charges carry severe penalties. According to recent sentencing statistics, 99% of those convicted receive prison time, with average sentences of 114 months. For trafficking charges, the average jumps to 148 months. Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up convicted.

We Get It – And We’re Here 24/7

Unlike other law firms who are “mills” and take on every single client, we focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. Our team of criminal defense lawyers only work for you, and have you sign up, if we think we can help you. If we don’t think we can help you – we won’t take you as a client. Our team of attorneys know a thing or two about beating federal charges. We have handled some of the toughest cases and have come out on top. We’re available 24/7 because we understand that legal emergencies don’t follow business hours.

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want.

Understanding Federal Child Pornography Laws in Alabama

Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2252 and § 2252A makes it illegal to produce, distribute, receive or possess child pornography. These laws apply nationwide – coast to coast – including Alabama. The penalties are harsh:

• Possession: Up to 10 years for first offense, 20 years if images involve minors under 12
• Receipt/Distribution: 5-20 year mandatory minimum
• Production: 15-30 year mandatory minimum
• Prior Convictions: Sentences can reach life imprisonment

HeWeargued that these sentences are excessive in many cases. But the reality is – federal judges’ hands are tied by mandatory minimums. Your future is in jeopardy. That’s not fear-mongering – it’s the truth.

Defense Strategies That Actually Work

Our attorneys have successfully defended clients using various strategies. We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal for case management. This allows us to work efficiently on your defense 24/7.

Fourth Amendment Violations: Recent appeals court decisions have found that law enforcement often violates constitutional rights during searches. If police searched your computer without a proper warrant, or exceeded the scope of their warrant – we can fight to suppress evidence. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. We’ve successfully argued these violations in federal court.

Lack of Knowledge: Many clients don’t knowingly possess illegal material. Files can end up on computers through malware, shared networks, or accidental downloads. Proving lack of knowledge requires sophisticated digital forensics – which our team excels at. The government must prove you knowingly possessed the material. That’s a high burden – and one we can challenge.

Entrapment: Federal agents sometimes cross the line from investigation to inducement. If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed – that’s entrapment. We’ve seen cases where undercover agents pushed defendants into illegal activity. This defense requires careful documentation of all interactions with law enforcement.

The Technology Defense – It Matters More Than You Think

Computer forensics play a crucial role in these cases. Recent statistics show that over 95% of cases involve computer use. But computers can be compromised. Malware, viruses, remote access – all create reasonable doubt. We work with top computer forensic experts nationwide to examine every byte of data.

Peer-to-peer networks are particularly problematic. Many defendants don’t realize that these networks automatically share files. You might think you’re just downloading – but the software is distributing. That transforms a possession charge into distribution – with mandatory minimums jumping from 0 to 5 years. We understand these technical nuances and use them to your advantage.

Why Federal Cases Are Different – And Deadlier

Federal prosecutors have resources state prosecutors dream about. They have the FBI, Homeland Security, and sophisticated tracking technology. Recent operations have resulted in hundreds of arrests. The conviction rate exceeds 95%. These aren’t amateurs – they’re professionals who do this every day.

But here’s what they don’t want you to know: judges are increasingly skeptical of harsh sentences. In 2019, less than one-third of defendants received within-guideline sentences. Courts are granting downward variances because they recognize the guidelines are outdated. An experienced attorney – someone who gets it – knows how to argue for these variances.

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

Todd Spodek has been practicing law for over 15 years. He’s a second-generation attorney who learned from the best. His work representing Anna Delvey (also known as Anna Sorokin) showcased his ability to handle high-profile, complex cases. When Netflix made a series about the case, it highlighted our firm’s dedication to clients.

We’ve handled federal cases coast to coast. From Alabama to Alaska, we’re licensed to practice in federal court nationwide. Our team of premier attorneys includes former prosecutors who know how the government thinks. We use that insider knowledge to build your defense.

Many attorneys send us clients because they know they can trust us. We’re not a mill that takes every case. We carefully select clients we can help – and then we fight like hell for them. Our white-glove service means you’re never just a number. You get direct access to your attorney 24/7.

The Process – What Happens Next

If you’re under investigation or have been charged, time is critical. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Investigation: Often starts with a cyber tip to NCMEC or suspicious online activity
2. Search Warrant: Federal agents seize computers and digital devices
3. Forensic Analysis: Takes months as agents examine every file
4. Charges Filed: Grand jury returns indictment
5. Arraignment: You enter a plea and bail is set
6. Discovery: We review the government’s evidence
7. Negotiations/Trial: We fight for dismissal, acquittal, or the best plea deal possible

Most importantly, you need an attorney at every stage. Trying to handle this yourself is like performing surgery on yourself – technically possible but catastrophically stupid.

Sentencing Realities You Must Understand

Federal sentencing guidelines for child pornography are complex. The guidelines include multiple enhancements that stack up quickly:

• Use of computer: +2 levels (applies to 95% of cases)
• Images of minors under 12: +2 levels (applies to 95% of cases)
• Sadistic/masochistic content: +4 levels (applies to 84% of cases)
• 600+ images: +5 levels (applies to 77% of cases)
• Distribution: +2-7 levels depending on manner

These enhancements can push a guideline range from 2 years to 10+ years. But here’s the key: judges have discretion to vary downward. We know how to argue for these variances. We’ve done it successfully nationwide – coast to coast.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group

We’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it. Our top rated team understands the fear, the shame, and the uncertainty you’re facing. We don’t judge – we defend. Our goal is simple: get you the best possible outcome.

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, we focus on our relationship with you. We offer:

• Free consultation to discuss your case
• 24/7 availability because emergencies don’t wait
• Nationwide representation in any federal court
• White-glove service with direct attorney access
• Payment plans because legal defense shouldn’t bankrupt you
• Over 50 years combined experience in federal criminal defense

Most firms treat clients like numbers. We treat you like family. When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting an attorney – you’re getting a team that will fight for your freedom.

Common Questions We Hear

Can these charges be dismissed? Yes. We’ve had cases dismissed due to illegal searches, lack of evidence, or prosecutorial misconduct. Every case is different, but dismissal is always our first goal.

Will I definitely go to prison? Not necessarily. While 99% of those convicted receive prison time, that’s why you need the best defense possible. We fight for alternatives like probation, home confinement, or treatment programs.

Can you guarantee a result? No ethical attorney can guarantee outcomes. What we can guarantee is that we’ll fight harder than anyone else. Our track record speaks for itself.

How much will this cost? Every case is different. We offer free consultations to discuss fees. We also offer payment plans because we believe everyone deserves quality representation.

Alabama Child Pornography Defense Lawyers