Producing or possessing material that depicts the sexual exploitation of a minor is a felony offense in the state of New Jersey, leading to 15-30 years in prison. New Jersey laws aren't the only ones you have to worry about, though. Federal laws against the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography can also carry heavy penalties.

When the U.S. Attorney's Office gets involved, your case can become much more complex. It's important to have a criminal defense attorney who not only knows the laws in New Jersey but is also familiar with federal criminal cases. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you if you're facing federal child pornography charges.

When Child Pornography Is a Federal Offense

In a recent case from the Western District of Pennsylvania of the U.S. Attorney's office, a man pleaded guilty to three counts of child pornography. Michael Sollenberger was charged with producing sexually explicit material depicting minors and shipping it to other states and overseas. Since the distribution of illicit sexual content was considered “interstate commerce,” the federal government prosecuted the case rather than letting Pennsylvania state authorities handle it.

Sollenberger entered a plea agreement with the prosecutor, pleading guilty on Counts One, Two, and Three of Indictment. As part of this agreement, he'll be sentenced to at least 35 years in prison. The total possible sentence for these crimes is 120 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Sollenberger's final sentencing will be held on November 30, 2023.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

New Jersey has criminal codes that run parallel to federal law. Most of the time, when federal and state laws have been violated, the federal government defers to state authorities and lets the state press charges and prosecute. When a crime crosses state or international boundaries, however, it's typically prosecuted at the federal level. Sex offenses or fraud that take place over the Internet, like the case of Michael Sollenberger in Pennsylvania, are common examples.

The federal criminal process can, unfortunately, be very opaque. You may not even be aware of federal charges against you until long after federal prosecutors have started working on the case. They've had plenty of time to research and build a case against you—before you even realize there are charges. It doesn't give you much time to prepare a solid defense. The Lento Law Firm has experience defending against federal prosecutors and can help you by:

• Giving a clear understanding of the charges against you
• Review the prosecution's case and create a solid defense strategy
• Advise you on whether to accept a plea deal or fight the charges in court

If you want clarity about your federal criminal case and assistance dealing with federal prosecutors, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online to book a consultation.