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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.

Never felt judged, always comfortable and felt protected!
“I was so scared going into this situation, but he eased my mind right from the start, and I immediately knew I wanted to work with him.”

- Former Client
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
Lawyer with a heart
“Albert Guadagno is a great lawyer, he cares with his clients. Lawyer with a good heart.”

- JB
Best attorney a man could ask for
“I can genuinely say that if you want someone that will fight till the end and support you every second of the way, than Albert is your person. After a long case together I got to know Albert and he his very passionate about his work. He his hardworking, witty, funny, and downright an amazing lawyer. I was truly blessed to take the leap and trust him with my case because the outcome was the best situation possible and I will forever be grateful to him. I think the most important thing is, is that when he makes a promise, he will go above and beyond to make that happen. He is a person that refuses to take no for an answer. If anything was to happen again, I would never hesitate to call him instantly. He works constantly around the clock, and is there for your every need. I promise you that if you decide to have Albert as your lawyer, it will be the best decision you have ever made. Thank you Albert!”

- Skyler
He was non judgmental and personable
“Albert was very professional, educated, always available, and personable.”

- DVDR
Albert was incredible!!
“Albert was absolutely amazing! He quickly took my case on short notice and helped me immensely. I highly recommend him. If you are hesitant or feeling apprehensive, DONT!! He is worth every penny”

- Tracy
He handled my case personally and best of all got my DUI case DISMISSED.
“Having to call an attorney for help was probably one of the scariest things I ever had to do. Who to call?? No idea. I got lucky and called the right attorney to help me with my DUI case. Albert was there to answer my questions and help me with the process. To sum it up, Albert was knowledgeable, personable, and professional. An attorney who really cares about you and knows what to do. He handled my case personally and best of all got my DUI case DISMISSED. I cannot recommend Albert enough! If you need help and want an attorney who will be there when you call, Albert is the one.”

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

- Matt
Absolutely Recommended
“Albert is a professional who works non-stop to help us find a solution to our legal issue. He can be reached anytime of the day and gave us updates in a timely manner. I would gladly recommend Albert to all my friends and family.”

- Former Client

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