It is a hard road. As a mother that is currently going through a trial in which I feel the evidence is not present, it is very very difficult. See if therapy will help you. I would try to limit the amount of people you tell (it will make it easier on you). People can be judgemental, but that is why this site is good. We are not judgemental, we will give you love and guidance, and are here for you. If you are spiritual pray, pray, pray. If you are not, then believe there is a higher power that will guide you through these difficult times. Be there for your son. If there is email available, you can write him; of course always considering it is under "Big Brother" laws....I will keep you in my prayers....

Coldblue, sorry you have to be here but glad you found us. All of us are experiencing some variation of your story.

I don't suppose it does any good to ask why in hell Homeland Security is involved in this?

Homeland security is involved because he is being charged with one count of possession and distribution of CP.

Homeland Security gets involved in a lot of CP cases.

After all Homeland Security wants to get in on the gravy train of federal funding for these crimes.

Why not? Every other agency is getting rich prosecuting young men who have done nothing but look at a few naughty pictures.

rewdiazepam

It was kinda crazy having eight special agents rip through my tiny ass apartment, I'm still in shock. It has definitely cause some anxiety and me not wanting to leave my house.

My son was prosecuted for 1 cp he accidentally downloaded. We got our own forensics, which I believe, got him a lighter sentence. Like most, he had to take a plea of guilty or face a trial.
If you can afford one, get a lawyer that knows about this kind of thing. Not all lawyers know how to deal with internet crime. And get your own forensics, as theirs will be piled high with BS. And, if you can afford it, get your own psych evaluation as well.
You cannot fight this. The government will pile on and take it to trial if you don't take a plea. Trials never go well and you end up getting more years than if you took the plea.

Thank you for the advice on this situation as it is all new to me. I would imagine that his lawyer will discuss a plea deal. Unfortunately my state does not have a federal prison here so he will be transferred out of state which will break my heart to not be able to visit him as much as I will want.

Nak gave you some excellent advice. She has been through the mess the federal government puts young men and mothers through.

Hopefully, you can get a good attorney who can get the distribution charge dropped, leaving only the possession charge.

Distribution at the federal level carries a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison, where he will have to serve 85% of his sentence. I think the federal system only gives 54 days good time credit per year.

If the distribution charge is dropped, that would leave only the possession charge which has no mandatory minimum at the federal level.

rewdiazepam

I know how you feel and will keep you and your son in my Prayers. My son just turned 23

I would imagine he would go to Oregon. I feel like he has a good lawyer and is exploring many options although I feel like he could share more with me but I am kind of a pain in the ass and email the lawyers office almost everyday and I call a lot. They did deny his release into my custody because they said he was a flight risk which I don't understand. He has no job, no money, no DL, no passport, and I certainly don't have any money to give him to go anywhere.

I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. I too have a son in the same situation, just a little bit farther down the road. The FBI showed up at his room when he was a senior in college and confiscated all his electronics. He is in the federal system, was initially charged with distribution and possession. His lawyer initially advised he could be looking at 10 years but after 2 years of waiting, evaluations and negotiations, the distribution charge was dropped through a plea agreement and the sentence given was 7 months prison with 5 years supervised release. I will also echo the advice above, plea bargaining can bring a much lighter sentence. Also, the judge seemed to take his age into consideration and she did recommend that he be placed as close to home as possible. Your sons age is on his side.

Prayers for you and your son.

You are doing the right thing supporting him - he will need that ! Find out how to send him money, books, write him letters, send him cards, etc. Hopefully he can call you, he will need to hear your voice and yours his. I don't know the deal with the lawyer but unless it's a one price deal with him watch how many times you call and email him. Most charge by the hour and will charge for every phone call or email. We paid an outrageous amount to my sons lawyers and he ended up getting 25 years. They had the "big" name but don't think they were knowledgeable on sex offender laws.
My son was placed 7 hrs away from us and yes we have several federal prisons in our state. We live in Pa and they placed him in Va. They will do what they want. My only savior is the federal prison is medium security but pretty non-violent as far as medium prisons go.
I wish I found this site a long time ago so come often, ask as many questions as you want - someone will try to answer them the best they can. There are many variables to the justice/prison systems as you will see..
Take care of yourself so you can be there for him.
Debbie

my heart truly goes out to you and your son!!!!

my daughter is in fed prison for CP and Distribution.

i hardly know fraction of what others here know and can help you with. but there are a good many people with experience and wisdom and they will share.

I hate to say it but there is no defense to possession of CP ... period. I have never seen a successful outcome. Prosecutors love these cases as it inflates their win ratio and explodes their "Tough on sex offender" reputation. Unless you can prove it was not you..... it was.

There is a clause that states they must prove intent but I've never seen it used successfully. Even in virus cases. The best you can do is bargain for the best outcome you can get. It's always best to keep it at the state level if you can. Never back down from the parental support as the system really loves to see that and your loved one really needs it. It's ridiculous that simple possession gets such harsh punishment! I can see production and distribution not not simple possession!

This happened to me and my fiance 2 years ago and my fiancé is awaiting his trial but he is at home and being monitored until the actual day he finds out his fate. He has one count of possession and they didn't move it to state level, it's federal. I am not a mother but as a young woman who has a man they care about and love go through this is something that takes a lot of time to adjust to. We just told his fronds and family and everyone has been extremely supportive. It helps to find people you trust won't leave your side during this tough time and we are here for you regardless, this is a safe place :) I am so sorry, it is a terrible thing especially right during the holidays for you. Hang in there.