Possession of Child Pornography Charges – Regis College
Defending Regis College Students Accused of Possession of Child Pornography
Dedham District Court & College Disciplinary Hearings
Allegations involving possession of child pornography are among the most serious criminal charges in Massachusetts. These cases carry the risk of lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent damage to a student's reputation and future. For Regis College students, the consequences extend beyond the courtroom and often include immediate academic discipline.
Me and my team here at The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett provide aggressive, confidential defense for Regis College students facing possession of child pornography charges. Our focus is on protecting your constitutional rights, your education, and your future.
Understanding Possession of Child Pornography Charges in Massachusetts
Under M.G.L. c. 272, § 29C, it is illegal to knowingly possess visual material depicting a child under the age of 18 engaged in sexual conduct. These cases often involve digital evidence and can arise from material found on:
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Cell phones
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Laptops or tablets
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External hard drives or cloud storage
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Shared or downloaded files
A student may be charged even if the material was not created, distributed, or intentionally shared. Possession alone is sufficient under Massachusetts law if the prosecution alleges knowledge or awareness of the content.
Criminal Charges vs. College Discipline
Possession of child pornography cases typically proceed as felony prosecutions while Regis College conducts a separate disciplinary investigation. These processes are independent of one another.
Even if criminal charges are reduced or dismissed, the college may still impose severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, based on its own findings and standards of conduct.
Legal Consequences of Possession of Child Pornography
The penalties for possession of child pornography in Massachusetts are severe and escalate quickly with prior offenses.
First Offense
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Up to 5 years in state prison
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Fines from $1,000 to $10,000
Second Offense
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Mandatory minimum of 5 years in state prison
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Fines from $5,000 to $20,000
Third or Subsequent Offense
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Mandatory minimum of 10 years in state prison
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Fines from $10,000 to $30,000
A conviction can also result in:
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Mandatory sex offender registration
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Permanent criminal record
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Restrictions on employment, housing, and education
All criminal cases for Regis College students are handled at:
Dedham District Court
631 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Regis College Policies and Disciplinary Actions
Regis College enforces strict conduct standards regarding illegal materials and digital content. Allegations involving possession of illegal images typically trigger disciplinary proceedings under the Student Handbook and related policies.
Potential disciplinary sanctions include:
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Disciplinary probation
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Suspension
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Expulsion
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Mandatory counseling or educational requirements
College disciplinary proceedings may continue regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
Student conduct policies can be reviewed here:
https://www.regiscollege.edu/studenthandbook
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes possession of child pornography under Massachusetts law?
Knowingly possessing any visual material depicting a child under 18 engaged in sexual conduct, including images or videos stored electronically.
How does Regis College handle these allegations?
The college conducts its own investigation and may impose discipline regardless of the criminal court outcome.
What should I do if I am accused?
Do not speak with law enforcement, college officials, or investigators until you have spoken with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Defense Strategies for Possession of Child Pornography Charges
These cases are complex and highly technical. Me and my team here at The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett develop defense strategies that may include:
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Challenging unlawful searches and digital seizures
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Contesting knowledge or intent regarding the alleged material
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Examining chain of custody and forensic evidence
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Identifying third-party access or device contamination
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Coordinating criminal defense with college disciplinary strategy
Early legal intervention is critical in these cases.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
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Extensive experience defending serious felony charges
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Skilled handling of complex digital and forensic evidence
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Deep familiarity with Dedham District Court procedures
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Strategic coordination of criminal defense and college discipline
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Focused on protecting students' futures, privacy, and rights
When allegations threaten your freedom and your future, experienced representation matters.
Protect Your Future – Contact Us Today
The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
Wellesley Office
572 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
Phone: 857.229.2442
Cranston Office
1000 Chapel View Blvd
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: 401.425.4059
Website: https://www.krbarrettlaw.com
We offer confidential consultations for Regis College students facing possession of child pornography charges and are prepared to act immediately to protect your rights, your education, and your future.
