Possession of Child Pornography Lawyer Somerset County, NJ
A charge of possession of child pornography is one of the most serious criminal accusations a person can face in New Jersey. If you are under investigation or have been arrested in Somerset County, you need experienced legal representation immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state law firm with a New Jersey location, and Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor—leads a defense team that handles sensitive indictable offenses including possession of child pornography. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a confidential consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Possession of Child Pornography Means in Somerset County
Under New Jersey law, possession of child pornography is an indictable offense—the equivalent of a felony. The statute governing these charges criminalizes the possession, distribution, and production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. In Somerset County, indictable crimes are prosecuted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Criminal Part, located at the Somerset Vicinage (20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876).
New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act abolished cash bail in January 2017. As a result, pretrial release for anyone charged with a sex offense is determined by a computerized Public Safety Assessment (PSA) that evaluates flight risk and danger to the community. For a charge as stigmatizing as possession of child pornography, the risk-assessment score is often high, making it important to have a skilled attorney present at the initial detention hearing to argue for release conditions that are least restrictive possible. Additionally, Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is generally available for first-time indictable offenders, though serious sex-based offenses may face heightened scrutiny. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to explore every diversionary or negotiated option that may be available under the law.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Possession of Child Pornography Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., the defense begins immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel first review the charging documents and the underlying investigation—often conducted by county prosecutors with assistance from the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. They examine whether law enforcement properly obtained and executed search warrants, whether digital forensic evidence was handled in a forensically sound manner, and whether any statements made by the defendant were obtained in compliance with Miranda and state constitutional protections.
Defense strategy may involve challenging the chain of custody of digital evidence, raising jurisdictional issues if images were viewed or accessed outside New Jersey, or presenting experienced attorney analysis to refute the prosecution’s claims. Mr. Sris’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him a thorough understanding of how the State builds these cases. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys who have handled complex criminal matters across multiple states, and they bring that wide-ranging perspective to every Somerset County case. Because the penalties for a conviction can include lengthy incarceration, lifetime sex offender registration under Megan’s Law, and severe collateral consequences, the firm works methodically to construct a defense tailored to the individual facts of each case. Results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now concentrates his practice on criminal defense, including serious state and federal charges. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris routinely handles cases across multiple jurisdictions. His law firm maintains a New Jersey location at 44 Apple Street, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 — by appointment only — and serves clients throughout Somerset County and the entire state.
Mr. Sris works alongside a dedicated group of Of Counsel attorneys who are engaged through Excella and bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to the firm’s criminal defense practice. Results may vary. Collectively, they represent individuals facing a wide range of charges, from disorderly persons offenses to first-degree felonies. With a focus on thorough preparation and strategic motion practice, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have earned recognition for their work in New Jersey courts. If you are facing a possession of child pornography charge, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation in a confidential setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes possession of child pornography under New Jersey law?
Possession of child pornography in New Jersey means knowingly having control over any photograph, video, or digital image that depicts a minor engaging in a prohibited sexual act. Under New Jersey law, the definition covers physical and electronic possession, including files stored on a computer, phone, or cloud account. Even viewing an image online can be treated as possession if the image is temporarily stored in a browser cache. The prosecution does not need to prove that you personally created or distributed the material; mere possession is sufficient for a charge.
Is a possession of child pornography charge an indictable offense in Somerset County?
Yes, possession of child pornography is classified as a second-degree indictable offense under New Jersey law, which is the equivalent of a felony. Indictable crimes are prosecuted in the Superior Court, not the municipal court. A second-degree offense carries significant consequences, including a presumption of imprisonment. The case will be handled by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and the first appearance is typically at the Somerset Vicinage. It is essential to have counsel at the earliest stage to protect your rights.
Can I get Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a possession of child pornography charge in Somerset County?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable offenders, but admission is not automatic for sex-based offenses and is subject to prosecutorial and judicial approval. In Somerset County, the prosecutor must consent to PTI enrollment. Given the serious nature of a child pornography charge, the prosecutor may object, particularly if aggravating factors exist. However, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience presenting mitigating circumstances to the court and will advocate strongly for any diversionary avenue that may apply. Each case is evaluated on its individual facts.
How does New Jersey’s bail reform affect a possession of child pornography case?
Because New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, a person charged with possession of child pornography will be assessed using a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) that measures flight risk and community danger. The PSA score heavily influences whether detention is sought. For a sex offense, the score often recommends detention. At the pre-trial detention hearing, your attorney can challenge the PSA’s conclusions and argue for release with conditions such as electronic monitoring, internet restrictions, or reporting obligations. Effective advocacy at this early stage can make a critical difference.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m only under investigation for possession of child pornography in Somerset County?
Yes, you should speak with a defense attorney immediately if you believe you are under investigation—even before charges are filed. Law enforcement may execute a search warrant, attempt to question you, or seek your cooperation. Anything you say can be used against you. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can communicate with investigators on your behalf, advise you on how to respond to a warrant, and work to prevent charges from being filed or to secure a voluntary surrender that minimizes disruption. Early involvement is often the most effective form of defense.
Related criminal defense pages:
Hunterdon County Criminal Defense ·
Morris County Criminal Defense ·
Bergen County Criminal Defense
Authoritative legal resources:
New Jersey Courts ·
Somerset Vicinage ·
New Jersey Legislature
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.