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Child Pornography

Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Seattle

A Former Prosecutor Defending Against Washington & Federal CSAM Charges

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a child pornography offense in Seattle, the stakes are serious and the process moves fast. I’m Albert Guadagno, founding attorney of Guadagno Law, PLLC and a former prosecutor. That background means I know how the state builds these cases, what evidence investigators rely on, and where those cases have vulnerabilities. With more than 19 years of criminal defense experience and over 3,000 cases handled, I bring that perspective to every client I represent.

You deserve a defense that treats your case as the individual matter it is, not a file to process. I take on cases selectively so each client receives my full attention from the first conversation through resolution.

Call Guadagno Law, PLLC at (206) 895-6800 to schedule your free case evaluation. I’m available 24/7 and can personally review what you’re facing.

How Washington Charges These Offenses

Washington prosecutes child pornography-related conduct under RCW 9.68A through four distinct charge types, each carrying its own penalty range. The differences matter because they determine sentencing exposure and how the state’s burden of proof applies to your situation.

The four charge categories under RCW 9.68A are:

Possession of depictions of a minor (RCW 9.68A.070): Both first and second degree are Class B felonies, carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. First-degree charges are prosecuted per image; second-degree charges are prosecuted per incident regardless of image count.
Dealing in depictions of a minor (RCW 9.68A.050): Distribution is a Class B felony with the same maximum penalties. First-degree dealing charges are prosecuted per depiction; second-degree dealing charges are prosecuted per incident.
Viewing depictions of a minor (RCW 9.68A.075): First degree is a Class B felony; second degree is a Class C felony, carrying up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine.
Sexual exploitation of a minor (RCW 9.68A.040): This production-related charge is filed separately from possession, dealing, or viewing and involves distinct elements and penalties.

The same conduct can also trigger federal charges. When material was transmitted over the internet or crossed state lines, prosecutors can pursue charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2252 for possession or distribution, or § 2251 for production. A case that begins in state court can be transferred to the federal system, where sentencing guidelines are significantly harsher. Separating state and federal exposure is one of the first things I do when evaluating a new case.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

These charges can alter the course of your life, and waiting to seek legal help only narrows your options. I offer free case evaluations so you can understand where you stand before making any decisions. Payment plans are available so cost isn’t a barrier to a serious defense.

Call Guadagno Law, PLLC at (206) 895-6800 any time, day or night. I’m here to answer your questions and can start building your defense.

How Child Pornography Investigations Work in Seattle

Most of these investigations don’t begin with an arrest. They start quietly, often with a tip from an internet service provider, a software company flagging content, or a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement uses that information to obtain a search warrant for phones, computers, and cloud accounts. Undercover sting operations are also used to identify suspects through online exchanges.

Once investigators execute a search warrant, the case becomes almost entirely evidence-driven. Digital forensics determine what was found, where it was stored, and when it was accessed. That’s where the defense often begins.

What the State Must Prove

To convict on a possession charge, the state must establish that you possessed the images, that the images depict an actual minor, that you knew the depicted person was a minor, and that the material meets the legal definition of sexually explicit conduct. Each element is a potential point of challenge.

Common defense issues in these cases include:

Shared device access: Another person with access to the same device or cloud account may be responsible for the content.
Cached or malware-downloaded files: Images can be automatically saved to a device through browser caching or malicious software without the user’s knowledge, which directly challenges whether possession was “knowing.”
Digital attribution errors: Investigators may incorrectly link activity to a specific device or person based on flawed forensic methodology.
Fourth Amendment violations: Evidence obtained through a search that exceeded the scope of a warrant or lacked probable cause can be challenged and potentially excluded from the case.

As a former prosecutor, I understand how digital evidence is collected, presented, and challenged in court. That experience shapes how I approach the forensic side of every case I take.

Sex Offender Registration & Collateral Consequences in Washington

A conviction carries consequences well beyond the criminal sentence. In Washington, a Class B felony conviction for these offenses generally requires 15 years of sex offender registration. A Class C felony conviction carries a 10-year registration requirement. If the conviction is federal, tribal, or from another state, Washington law requires indefinite registration regardless of the underlying offense class.

Felony cases arising in Seattle are filed in King County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over all felony criminal matters in the county. Beyond incarceration and registration, a conviction can affect housing, employment, and professional licensing in ways that follow a person long after a sentence is served. The strongest defense starts now, before the state’s case has time to solidify.

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At Guadagno Law, PLLC, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (206) 895-6800 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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Read our reviews from past clients we've helped.

When I do need a lawyer it will be Guadagno...
“Mr. Guadagno calmly and professionally put my mind at ease by explaining with perfect clarity that what I was looking at was completely normal.”

- Adam T.
The best and professional lawyer
“Mr.Guadagno is very professional, friendly , attentive and very supportive when you face a difficult situation. Gave you support and comfort makes you feel you have someone who really cares and is there to help you. Always available to reach regardless if it is week days or weekend. Response to you immediately and works with you. We really really appreciate his support in a time we were stressed out he gave us so much comfort. Really recommend him to others. Grateful to know him .”

- Adiba
My public defender is on 10 cases with mine and I was a nervous wreck, worrying about foreclosure due to legal matter. Alberto answered his own phone, was gracious, kind and helpful.
“This is an attorney with heart as well as expertise and even speaks plain English about the legal process. Happy to help even in my free brief consultation. I was having nerve issues with my health but hesitated to bother my public defender. Albert cared about me, not just the billable hour. I know I have an attorney to help me on the future.”

- Helped me make a plan to avoid losing my home after domestic dispute. Thank you!
Not only was he non-judgmental about my situation, he had true empathy for my predicament.
“Not only was he non-judgmental about my situation, he had true empathy for my predicament.”

- Happy Client
"So Thankful to have Albert in our corner"
“We cannot be more grateful to Albert for helping us in a sensitive and often misunderstood situation.”

- JK
A very good and highly capable attorney!!
“I came to Albert over a domestic issue that I was facing that was false. Albert was able to get a dismissal of a violation of a order of protection I was wrongfully facing. Albert also took a lot of time to explain things to a person such as myself who had never been in this situation before. He was very helpful ,competent and reassuring. Not all attorney's are like this guy, you will be in good hands if you hire him. Thanks again Albert!!! Vincent R.”

- Vincent R.
Albert Guadagno has a silver tongue and a very sharp eye.
“Albert Guadagno is without a doubt professional and courteous as a lawyer as I've ever met. Took care of my issues and made sure that I stayed straight with my court dates. I would highly recommend Albert for any legal or just regular advice situation. I really feel blessed for having to meet him and for him to help me with my situation.”

- Dustin
Case Dismissed!
“I would without hesitation recommend Albert to anyone in need of a defense attorney.”

- Matt
Dignity Intact.
“If you need help wading through the mire of the judicial system, I highly recommend Albert Guadagno. He has vast experience working on both sides of the court room to give you the most comprehensive defense. His personnal attention and perspective to each case is invaluable. My case could have turned out very differently with irreparable damage if it was not for his care and commitment. Not only is he excellent in his knowledge of the law, his understanding of the human experience provokes compassion and redemption against a system designed to devour and destroy decent human beings. I can say he is a champion standing in the way of the cold, brutal, harshness of our court system. If you need a attorney that is all in for your protection, Albert Guadagno is there to help you! Thank you Albert, you are a life saver.”

- Mason

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Seattle, WA 98109

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