FACING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN CHICAGO? ANDREW M. WEISBERG CAN DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS

Child pornography charges are among the most serious and damaging criminal allegations a person can face in Illinois. The consequences of a conviction are life-altering—lengthy prison sentences, crushing fines, and mandatory lifetime sex-offender registration. These cases can destroy careers, families, and reputations overnight.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with child pornography in Chicago, you need to take immediate action. The State aggressively prosecutes these cases, and they often involve complex digital evidence, forensic computer examinations, and coordinated efforts between local and federal agencies.

When your future is at stake, you need an experienced and strategic defense attorney—someone who knows how prosecutors build these cases from the inside. You need Andrew M. Weisberg.

Understanding Child Pornography Charges Under Illinois Law

Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, defines child pornography broadly and applies to a wide range of conduct involving visual depictions of individuals under the age of 18. Common scenarios include:

Possession

Knowingly possessing or controlling photos, videos, or digital files depicting minors engaged in sexual activity or lewd exhibition of the genitals.

Production

Creating or participating in the creation of unlawful images or videos. This includes photographing, filming, encouraging, or arranging for a minor to be depicted sexually.

Distribution or Sharing

Sending, sharing, selling, or posting unlawful images or video files through:
• Email
• Messaging apps
• Cloud services
• File-sharing software
• Social media
• Physical exchange

Solicitation

Requesting or encouraging a minor to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction.

Even a small number of files—or even a single file—can lead to multiple felony charges.

Penalties for Child Pornography in Illinois

The penalties for child pornography are extremely harsh, reflecting the seriousness with which Illinois treats these offenses.

Class X Felony (Production or Distribution)

• Mandatory 6 to 30 years in prison
• No probation or conditional discharge
• Fines up to $100,000

Class 1 Felony (Possession)

• 4 to 15 years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000
• No possibility of supervision

Sex Offender Registration

A conviction requires mandatory lifetime registration, which severely limits:
• Employment opportunities
• Housing availability
• Internet use
• Social interactions
• Travel
• Privacy

Extended Sentencing

Multiple images or counts can lead to consecutive sentences—resulting in decades in prison.

These cases often carry intense public scrutiny and long-term consequences even if charges are reduced, making a strong defense essential.

Defending Against Child Pornography Charges in Chicago

Child pornography cases frequently involve digital forensic evidence, search warrants, subpoenas, and federal-level investigative techniques. A successful defense must be precise, technical, and proactive.

Andrew M. Weisberg uses a strategic, evidence-based approach that may include:

Lack of Knowledge

Devices can automatically save, cache, or download files without the user’s awareness. If you did not knowingly view or possess the material, the State’s case may fail.

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove intent. Accidental downloads, pop-ups, hacked accounts, and malware can all undermine the State’s theory.

Third-Party Access

If others had access to your computer, phone, or online accounts, they may be the source of the material.

Digital Forensic Challenges

File timestamps, partial downloads, corrupted files, and metadata inconsistencies can cast doubt on the evidence.

Entrapment

In some situations, law enforcement may push or manipulate suspects into actions they would not have taken otherwise.

Fourth Amendment Violations

If police obtained evidence through an illegal search, faulty warrant, or improper seizure, Andrew may move to suppress key evidence—often leading to reduced charges or dismissal.

With so much at stake, your defense must begin immediately—before the prosecutor’s narrative becomes locked in.

Why Choose Andrew M. Weisberg as Your Defense Attorney?

Child pornography cases are incredibly complex, emotionally charged, and technically demanding. You need an attorney who understands both the legal and digital-forensic landscapes—and who can navigate them without hesitation.

Andrew M. Weisberg offers:

Former Prosecutor’s Insight

As a former Cook County felony prosecutor, Andrew understands exactly how investigators assemble these cases and where weaknesses may exist.

Direct, Personal Representation

You work with Andrew—not an associate, not a paralegal. He handles every aspect of your case personally.

Technical Knowledge

Andrew has deep experience reviewing forensic reports, computer examinations, download logs, IP tracing, and digital evidence—often identifying flaws the State overlooked.

Discreet and Compassionate Representation

These charges carry enormous stigma. Andrew provides judgment-free, confidential support every step of the way.

Strategic Defense Built Around Your Situation

He evaluates every legal and factual angle to protect your freedom, your future, and your reputation.

The Importance of Immediate Legal Representation

If you are being investigated—or fear you might be—do not talk to police or detectives before speaking with an attorney.

Early intervention can:
• Limit what evidence the State can use
• Prevent damaging statements
• Correct misunderstandings
• Influence charging decisions
• Protect your rights during searches and seizures

In many cases, people do tremendous harm to their cases by trying to “clear things up” with investigators. Do not make that mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Pornography Charges in Illinois

What qualifies as child pornography under Illinois law?

Child pornography includes any visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual activity or the lewd exhibition of the genitals. This includes photos, videos, digital images, downloads, and even cached files. Under Illinois law, a minor is anyone under the age of 18, and possession, distribution, production, or solicitation involving such material is a felony.

Is possession of child pornography always a felony?

Yes. In Illinois, possession of child pornography is charged as a felony—typically a Class 1 felony—with sentencing ranges of 4 to 15 years in prison. Distribution, production, or possession of multiple files can lead to Class X felony charges, carrying 6 to 30 years or more.

What if I didn’t know the images were on my device?

Lack of knowledge can be a defense. Sometimes files are automatically downloaded, shared unknowingly through peer-to-peer programs, or stored in hidden folders. The State must prove that you knowingly possessed the material. An attorney can analyze how the files got onto your device and whether there is evidence you intentionally sought them out.

Can I be charged if someone else used my computer or phone?

Yes, you can be charged—but you can also defend against it. Prosecutors often assume device ownership equals possession, but this is not always true. Shared devices, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or remote access can complicate the case. A strong defense can show that someone else was responsible for the illegal activity.

Do internet sting operations count as entrapment?

Not necessarily, but they can. Police often run undercover sting operations where officers pose online as minors. Entrapment may apply if law enforcement induced someone to commit a crime they were not predisposed to commit. These cases can be complex, and an attorney must examine whether the police crossed legal boundaries.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Yes. Any conviction for child pornography, whether possession, distribution, or production, requires mandatory sex offender registration, often for life. Registration severely restricts where you can live, work, and travel, making it critical to fight the charges aggressively.

Can child pornography charges be reduced or dismissed?

It depends on the evidence. Cases may be dismissed or charges reduced if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s digital evidence, problems with the search warrant, lack of proof of knowing possession, or credible alternative explanations for how the files got onto the device. Negotiated outcomes are also possible, depending on the facts of the case.

What if the police searched my computer or home without a warrant?

Digital searches require strict adherence to constitutional protections. If the police failed to obtain a valid warrant, exceeded the scope of the warrant, or relied on unreliable information, evidence may be suppressed. Suppression can cripple the prosecution’s case and may lead to dismissal.

What happens if multiple images or videos are found?

Illinois law allows prosecutors to charge each file or depiction as a separate count. This means a single investigation may result in dozens—or even hundreds—of charges. An attorney can often negotiate consolidated charges or challenge whether files qualify as separate counts under the statute.

How can an attorney help defend child pornography allegations?

Child pornography cases rely heavily on digital forensics, search-and-seizure law, and intent. A skilled attorney can challenge the forensic evidence, examine whether someone else could have placed files on the device, scrutinize the warrant, negotiate with prosecutors, and argue for reduced charges or alternative resolutions. These cases are complex and require an attorney with deep experience.

Contact Chicago Child Pornography Defense Attorney Andrew M. Weisberg

If you’ve been charged—or believe you are under investigation—for child pornography in Chicago, you need an experienced and aggressive defense attorney immediately.

Andrew M. Weisberg is available 24/7 and will respond quickly, confidentially, and with the professionalism your situation demands.

Call Andrew directly at (773) 908-9811 anytime—day or night.
Or fill out the confidential Case Review form on our website for a prompt response.

Your future depends on the steps you take right now. Let Andrew M. Weisberg put his experience to work