Spanaway CSAM Defense Attorney

Trusted CSAM Defense Lawyer Handling Child Pornography Charges in Spanaway

Accusations involving child sexual abuse material, otherwise known as child pornography, can be deathly serious. These charges are prosecuted as felonies in Washington state, and a conviction carries sex offender registration requirements. In cases such as these, representation from a Spanaway, WA child sexual abuse material lawyer is vital for protecting your rights.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we have earned numerous awards for our strong counsel and clear guidance, including a 10.0 Avvo rating, recognition as a Super Lawyer, and placement in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Our firm can review a CSAM charge in depth, analyzing the technical evidence and looking for ways to get the charge reduced or dismissed.

Penalties for Viewing or Possessing CSAM in Washington

Washington law classifies both possession and viewing of child sexual abuse material as class B felonies (or Class C for lesser viewing offenses), regardless of whether the material was ever shared with anyone else. Simply having files saved to a device, stored in a cloud account, or accessed through a browser can support a charge. A class B felony in Washington can carry a sentence of up 10 ten years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, though actual sentencing depends on the offender score, the number of counts, and other case-specific factors. The state treats each depiction as a separate offense in many possession cases, which means multiple files can lead to multiple felony counts and a sentence that increases quickly.

A conviction can also mean mandatory sex offender registration and restrictions on internet use, employment, and housing that can last long after any sentence is served. Prosecutors in these cases often rely heavily on forensic evidence pulled from phones, computers, and online accounts, which makes early legal representation especially important.

Penalties for Distributing CSAM in Washington

Washington law also classifies dealing in or distributing this material as a class B felony, carrying the same maximum 10-year exposure as possession charges, though distribution cases often involve additional counts that can raise the total sentencing range. Distribution can include sending files through messaging apps, uploading them to file-sharing platforms, or making them available through a shared account or network. Prosecutors may also pursue distribution charges when investigators believe a person allowed others to access material stored on a device, even without direct proof of an intentional transfer.

These cases often involve multiple counts tied to separate files or instances, and sentencing exposure can increase quickly as a result. An experienced defense attorney can review how the evidence was gathered and whether each charge is properly supported before a case moves toward trial.

Defending Against CSAM Charges in Spanaway

A strong defense in these cases starts with a careful review of how the evidence was obtained. Search warrants must be properly supported and executed, and any misstep in that process can affect what evidence is admissible. Digital evidence can also be misread. Files can be automatically downloaded, cached, or received without a person's knowledge, and forensic analysis is not always straightforward.

An attorney can also examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedure during questioning, whether statements were voluntary, and whether any evidence points to another person having access to the same device or account. Building a defense often requires the help of an independent forensic expert who can review the same data investigators relied on and challenge conclusions that may not hold up to scrutiny.

Meet With a Spanaway, Washington CSAM Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we approach these cases with the seriousness they demand and work to protect your rights from the earliest stages of an investigation. Contact our Spanaway CSAM defense attorney or call 253-442-7544 to arrange a free consultation.