Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Rochester
Immediate Help For Child Pornography Investigations & Charges in New York
If you are searching for a child pornography attorney in Rochester, you are likely dealing with something you never expected to face. Maybe officers showed up with a search warrant, took your computers and phones, or you or a family member has already been arrested. You may have no idea what law enforcement actually found, what will happen next, or who you can trust to talk to about it.
I defend people accused of child pornography offenses in and around Rochester, NY. For more than 25 years I have focused on criminal defense, and before that I worked inside the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. I now use that experience to protect my clients in some of the most serious and sensitive cases the courts handle.
These accusations carry enormous fear, shame, and uncertainty. My role is to give you straight answers, to protect your rights at every stage, and to guide you through a process that can feel overwhelming. Our conversation is confidential, and you will be treated with respect, no matter what brings you to my office.
Protect your rights and your freedom by speaking with a Rochester child pornography defense lawyer who understands the legal complexities of these cases. I offer 24/7 availability and a free consultation. Call (585) 928-4193 or reach out via online to start your defense.
Understanding Child Pornography Laws in New York
In the New York Penal Law, child pornography offenses are categorized under Article 263, often referred to as "Sexual Performance by a Child." Unlike many other states, New York distinguishes between the "obscene" nature of the material and the "performance" itself.
- Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (NY PL § 263.16): This is the most common charge. It involves knowingly possessing or controlling a performance that includes sexual conduct by a child less than sixteen years of age. This is a Class E felony.
- Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (NY PL § 263.15): "Promoting" is a broad legal term in New York. It includes producing, directing, or even just sharing or forwarding a digital file. Because this involves the distribution of material, it is a more serious Class D felony.
- Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance (NY PL § 263.05): This involves the actual creation or production of the material and is a Class C felony.
- Facilitating a Sexual Performance by a Child (NY PL § 263.30): This charge applies when controlled substances or alcohol are used to induce a child into a performance. This is a Class B felony.
As your Rochester child pornography defense lawyer, I meticulously analyze the specific counts in your indictment. In New York, the age of the child in the material is a critical jurisdictional factor. For possession charges, the child must be under sixteen; for promotion charges, the child must be under seventeen. Understanding these technicalities is the first step in my defense strategy.
My Comprehensive Approach to Child Pornography Defense
I provide a defense that is both technically advanced and legally aggressive. I don't just wait for the prosecution to hand over evidence; I go out and find it.
My approach includes:
- Malware and Virus Analysis: We investigate whether "Trojan Horse" programs or other malicious software were present on your device, which could have downloaded the files without your interaction.
- Constitutional Advocacy: I scrutinize the warrant application. Often, police rely on IP address data that is inaccurate or belongs to a shared network. I challenge the "nexus" between the digital activity and your specific person.
- Available 24/7: I know that the anxiety of a criminal investigation is constant. My firm provides around-the-clock accessibility so you never have to wait for answers.
- Mitigation Strategy: If the evidence is overwhelming, I utilize my experience as a former prosecutor to negotiate for "Global Dispositions." This might include mental health treatment or a reduction to a non-registrable offense, keeping you off the sex offender registry whenever possible.
Testimonials
Helping Clients Move Forward
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“Mr. Rodeman was able to get us the plea deal we needed from a difficult judge. He was honest and up front about the difficulties we could face, but prevailed to help us resolve our issue.”- Ray
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“Chris is down to earth, caring and understanding about the situation. He is very likeable and very well connected and never stops working for you until completion. Things turned out very favorable for us and we are grateful.”- Boylin
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“Chris made what could have been a horrible situation into a much more manageable one and in the process helped turn my life around as well.”- Bob S
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“Mr Rodeman knows the system and its players from his days as a prosecutor. He is extremely professional, non-judgemental, and so competent in court. I could go on and on about how much we appreciate his help in our case.”- Kiki France-Perry
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He is truly a phenomenal lawyer. He cares about his clients and knows the Law. If you’re reading this, he is the person to go to. Mr. Rodeman is very dedicated and will help you receive the best possible outcome. He does a great job.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Child Pornography Convictions in New York
The penalties for these felonies are severe, and the consequences do not end when you leave the courtroom.
- Class E Felony (Possession): Up to 4 years in state prison.
- Class D Felony (Promotion): Up to 7 years in state prison.
- Class C Felony (Use/Production): Up to 15 years in state prison.
- Sex Offender Registration (SORA): A conviction for any Article 263 offense requires mandatory registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act. You will be assigned a "Risk Level" (1, 2, or 3) that determines how much information about you is made public and for how long.
- Collateral Sanctions: You will face a permanent felony record, the loss of your right to possess firearms, and extreme difficulty in securing housing or employment. Professional licenses in fields like education, healthcare, and law will almost certainly be revoked.
Because I am a former prosecutor, I understand the "SORA" hearing process in Monroe County. I fight to ensure that even in the event of a conviction, your risk level is assessed as low as possible to minimize the impact on your future.
Why My Background Matters In Child Pornography Cases
When you are accused of a sex offense involving child pornography, you need more than general criminal law knowledge. You need someone who understands how these cases are built, how digital evidence is collected and presented, and how prosecutors think about charging decisions and plea offers. My background gives me a practical advantage in each of those areas.
Before opening my own defense practice, I served in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and ultimately became Chief of the DWI Bureau. That role required me to evaluate evidence, decide which cases to charge, and prepare officers and witnesses for court. I now apply that perspective on the defense side. I know how police reports are written, how search warrants are drafted, and where problems and shortcuts often appear.
For the past 25 years, I have focused my work exclusively on criminal defense. During that time I have tried nine murder cases and many other felony matters in local courts, including Monroe County Court and Rochester City Court. Over the years I have helped clients achieve dismissals, reduced charges, and no jail outcomes in a range of criminal cases.
These results came from detailed preparation, careful motion practice, and persistent negotiation, not from promises or shortcuts. I cannot guarantee any particular outcome in your case, and no honest child pornography lawyer in Rochester should. What I can promise is that I will look at every angle of the evidence, explain the strengths and weaknesses clearly, and work tirelessly to move your case toward the best achievable result.
Your reputation and your liberty are on the line. To consult with a premier child pornography attorney in Rochester, call (585) 928-4193 or reach out online.
Why Choose Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law?
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Experience as a Special Assistant District Attorney
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Flat-Rate Pricing for Cases Involving DWI
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24/7 Availability for Emergency Calls
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Affordable Payment Plans
What To Do If Police Seize Your Computer Or Contact You
The moments and days after a search or first contact from law enforcement are critical. The choices you make during this time can strongly affect how your case develops. Officers often tell people that they “just want to talk” or that they are “trying to clear things up.” They may suggest that cooperating fully right away will help.
In reality, once a child pornography investigation is underway, officers are usually collecting statements to support charges that they already expect to file. Anything you say can end up quoted in reports, discussed with prosecutors, and presented in court.
If a search warrant has been executed, your devices are likely being examined by a forensic unit. Trying to delete files, wipe drives, or access online accounts from other devices can create separate problems. It can also be misinterpreted as an attempt to destroy evidence, even if that is not how you see it.
Some immediate steps I typically recommend include:
- Avoid speaking to police, detectives, or agents about the allegations until you have talked with a defense attorney.
- Do not try to fix or edit devices or online accounts. Let your lawyer address evidence issues through proper legal channels.
- Keep track of any paperwork you receive, including copies of search warrants, inventory sheets, or appearance tickets.
- Write down what happened during any search or questioning while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Reach out promptly for a confidential consultation so you understand your rights before making further decisions.
When you contact me after a search or initial police contact, I review what law enforcement has done so far, discuss the likely next steps, and help you avoid common mistakes.
How I Analyze & Challenge The Evidence
Child pornography allegations almost always revolve around digital evidence. Prosecutors rely on images or videos they claim were found on computers, phones, external drives, or in online accounts. They also depend on technical reports generated by forensic software and the testimony of analysts or officers who handled the devices.
From a defense perspective, the first question is not simply what did they find, but how did they find it and how did they get permission to look. In many cases, law enforcement uses search warrants to seize and examine devices. Those warrants must meet constitutional requirements.
When I review digital evidence, I typically look at issues such as:
- Whether the search warrant was properly supported and limited in scope.
- How devices were seized, stored, and analyzed, including chain of custody concerns.
- Whether forensic reports clearly connect the material to the accused person, or whether access by others is possible.
- Whether file sharing software or automatic downloads may have played a role.
- Whether statements in reports match what actually happened during interviews or searches.
Many of the positive outcomes I have obtained for clients over the years have come from identifying weaknesses in searches, seizures, or statements and presenting them clearly to the court. Sometimes that leads to suppression of evidence. Sometimes it changes the way prosecutors evaluate the case and opens the door to more favorable negotiations.
While no strategy can erase all risk, a careful and methodical review of the evidence is often the foundation for any meaningful defense.
Demand Excellence
Respectful, Confidential Representation In Rochester Courts
Facing a child pornography charge is both a legal and personal crisis. Many people worry they will be judged, even by their own lawyer. In my Rochester, NY practice, I make respect and compassion a priority from the first call through the final court date. Clients deserve to be treated with dignity while navigating an extremely stressful and sensitive situation.
I regularly appear in Monroe County Court, Rochester City Court, and nearby town and village courts. This experience gives me insight into how local judges and prosecutors typically handle serious sex offense cases. Understanding local procedures allows me to explain what to expect at each stage and to help clients prepare for hearings, motions, and possible trials.
I take time to listen to your concerns and explain the process in clear, plain language. I am accessible when questions or emergencies arise and encourage open communication at every step. I also offer free consultations and transparent fees, with payment plans in many cases, so cost does not add unnecessary uncertainty to an already difficult time.
Talk Privately With A Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are looking for a child pornography attorney in Rochester because of a child pornography investigation or charge, you do not have to navigate this alone. A confidential conversation with a defense lawyer who has worked as a prosecutor and spent decades in the criminal courts here can help you understand your options and avoid serious missteps.
When you contact Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law, I will personally review the facts of your case, explain the process ahead, and answer your questions in plain language. I will be honest with you about risks and possibilities, and I will walk with you through each stage if you choose to move forward. The consultation is free, and fees are explained upfront, with payment plans available in many cases.
To talk privately with a criminal defense attorney about your situation, call (585) 928-4193 or reach out online now.
