Possession of Child Pornography Defense β 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 faceβand 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.
π 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:
πΉ Downloaded or saved images/videos
πΉ Peer-to-peer file sharing content
πΉ Possession through cloud storage or mobile apps
Penalties for a first offense:
βοΈ Up to 5 years in state prison
βοΈ Mandatory minimum 2.5 years in jail
π¨ Sex offender registration
ποΈ 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:
π Sharing images via Snapchat, Discord, or peer-to-peer platforms
π» Downloading suspicious files from adult websites that included minor content
π Routine police investigations that uncover files on a laptop or phone
π‘ University or dorm network monitoring flags inappropriate content
The student may not even realize the illegality of the content at firstβespecially 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:
π« Possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials
π± Use of university devices or network for criminal activity
βοΈ Violations of law reflecting moral turpitude
Disciplinary consequences include:
π€ Immediate interim suspension
ποΈ Loss of housing and access to campus resources
π Full investigation and potential expulsion
ποΈ 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:
π Boston College β 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 seeβearly 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:
π It may be possible to suppress evidence from illegal searches
πΎ Some cases involve unintentional downloads or mistaken files
π€ Plea deals or reductions to lesser charges may be negotiated
ποΈ 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:
π Was the device searched lawfully?
π§ Did your child knowingly possess the material?
π Was there shared access to the device?
π» 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:
βοΈ Arraignment β Formal charges and bail
π Pre-trial discovery β Government produces digital forensic evidence
π Motions to suppress β Challenging searches or warrants
β
Resolution or trial β 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
π― Experienced in defending college students accused of sex crimes
π€ Discreet, strategic representation in high-stakes felony cases
π Familiar with both Newton District Court and Boston College procedures
π€ 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 recordβbut their entire future.
Contact Us Today
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
π 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
π (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.
π¨ URGENT: Facing possession of child pornography charges at Boston College? Call now for a free, confidential consultation.