2025 Award Winning Criminal Defense Lawyers (401) 228-8271 | (857) 229-2442
2025 Award Winning Criminal Defense Lawyers

Possession of Child Pornography Charges Defense for Boston College Students

Possession of Child Pornography Defense – Boston College

Aggressive Defense for Students Charged in Newton District Court

Being charged with possession of child pornography is among the most serious criminal offenses a person can faceβ€”and for a Boston College student, the stakes are even higher. In Massachusetts, CP possession is a felony under M.G.L. c. 272 Β§ 29C, carrying severe penalties, lifetime consequences, and mandatory sex offender registration in many cases.

At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we defend students accused of these serious offenses with discretion, diligence, and deep understanding of the law. We work to protect both your child's legal future and academic standing while navigating the Newton District Court and Boston College's disciplinary system.

πŸ“ž Call (857) 229-2442 now for a confidential consultation with an experienced defense attorney.

Massachusetts CP Laws: What You Need to Know

Massachusetts law makes it a felony to knowingly possess, access, or view visual depictions of a person under 18 engaged in sexual conduct. This includes:

πŸ”Ή Downloaded or saved images/videos
πŸ”Ή Peer-to-peer file sharing content
πŸ”Ή Possession through cloud storage or mobile apps

Penalties for a first offense:

⛓️ Up to 5 years in state prison
⛓️ Mandatory minimum 2.5 years in jail
🚨 Sex offender registration
πŸ—ƒοΈ Felony criminal record

Subsequent offenses or charges related to distribution carry even steeper penalties.

How Students Are Often Charged

College students can be charged after:

πŸŽ“ Sharing images via Snapchat, Discord, or peer-to-peer platforms
πŸ’» Downloading suspicious files from adult websites that included minor content
πŸ” Routine police investigations that uncover files on a laptop or phone
πŸ“‘ University or dorm network monitoring flags inappropriate content

The student may not even realize the illegality of the content at firstβ€”especially when images are miscategorized or mislabeled. However, ignorance does not eliminate liability under Massachusetts law.

Academic Consequences at Boston College

Boston College's Code of Conduct expressly prohibits:

🚫 Possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials
πŸ“± Use of university devices or network for criminal activity
βš–οΈ Violations of law reflecting moral turpitude

Disciplinary consequences include:

πŸ“€ Immediate interim suspension
πŸ›οΈ Loss of housing and access to campus resources
πŸ” Full investigation and potential expulsion
πŸ—ƒοΈ Permanent academic discipline record

These sanctions can occur before the criminal case is resolved, and BC will typically not wait for a conviction before acting.

Refer to BC's community standards here:
πŸ”— Boston College – Rights & Responsibilities

What Parents Should Expect

Will This Ruin My Child's Life?

These charges can carry long-term damage, but early legal help can protect their future.

Do We Need an Attorney Right Away?

Yes. This is not a case that can be managed internally or with campus support alone.

Can the Charge Be Resolved Quietly?

Possibly. We work discreetly and pursue the best options to avoid registration and prison time.

This is not a time to wait and seeβ€”early legal intervention is key.

Can This Be Kept Off Their Record?

Possession of child pornography is a felony with mandatory registration and jail time if convicted. However:

πŸ” It may be possible to suppress evidence from illegal searches
πŸ’Ύ Some cases involve unintentional downloads or mistaken files
🀝 Plea deals or reductions to lesser charges may be negotiated
πŸ—ƒοΈ Record sealing is possible years later, but only under rare circumstances

The sooner you get legal representation, the more options are available.

Legal Defense Strategies

Our firm carefully examines:

πŸ”Ž Was the device searched lawfully?
🧠 Did your child knowingly possess the material?
πŸ”— Was there shared access to the device?
πŸ’» Was the file accessed intentionally or automatically downloaded?

In some cases, students aren't aware of the content due to autoplay, malware, or shared devices. We investigate every technical and constitutional angle to build a solid defense.

The Newton District Court Process

Your child's case will likely begin at Newton District Court, which has jurisdiction over Boston College. The process includes:

βš–οΈ Arraignment – Formal charges and bail
πŸ“‚ Pre-trial discovery – Government produces digital forensic evidence
πŸ“œ Motions to suppress – Challenging searches or warrants
βœ… Resolution or trial – We work toward a reduced charge or dismissal

These cases move quickly and quietly, but the consequences are lifelong. We focus on early motion practice and expert witness consultation in every case.

Why Choose Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm

🎯 Experienced in defending college students accused of sex crimes
🀐 Discreet, strategic representation in high-stakes felony cases
πŸ“ Familiar with both Newton District Court and Boston College procedures
🀝 Compassionate, thorough, and aggressive defense for families

We know how to balance court strategy with academic advocacy. Our job is to protect not only your child's legal recordβ€”but their entire future.

Contact Us Today

Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
πŸ“ 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
πŸ“ž (857) 229-2442

Facing a charge as serious as possession of child pornography demands immediate legal guidance. If your child is a student at Boston College, contact us now for a confidential consultation. We're here to help you navigate this crisis with knowledge, skill, and compassion.

🚨 URGENT: Facing possession of child pornography charges at Boston College? Call now for a free, confidential consultation.

Kensley Barrett

Our law firm was founded on the belief that working with us is more than just hiring a lawyer. Working with us will bring you peace of mind and also allow you to continue with your regular life while we attend to your legal matters. Our vast experience means that it allows us to excel in both aggressively representing your interests and generating the best possible result for you.

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