Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Criminal Defense Rooted in Prosecution-Side Experience
A charge under Florida’s child pornography statute carries felony penalties, lifetime sex offender registration, and consequences that reach into every part of your life. If you’re under investigation or have already been charged in Pinellas County, the next steps matter. I’m Attorney Joseph Montrone, Jr., and I’ve spent more than 29 years handling serious criminal cases in St. Petersburg, Florida, protecting the constitutional rights of clients in both civil and criminal courts throughout the region.
Every case I take on gets my direct attention. You won’t be handed off to an associate or a case manager. I review the facts, assess what the government has, and build a defense strategy tailored to the specific details of your situation.
Facing an investigation or charge? Call my office at (727) 617-6095 to schedule a free initial consultation.
From Felony Prosecutor to Criminal Defense Attorney
Before I defended clients, I prosecuted them. I began my legal career at the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County, where I served for six years as a felony prosecutor. During that time, I focused on Domestic Violence and Child Abuse cases, completing extensive training through seminars, continuing education, and direct courtroom experience.
That background gives me a clear picture of how these investigations are built, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and how the state approaches child exploitation cases. I use that knowledge on your side, challenging the government’s evidence, scrutinizing law enforcement conduct, and identifying weaknesses in how the case was assembled.
What Florida Statute 827.071 Prohibits
Florida Statute 827.071 defines a “child” or “minor” as any person younger than 18 years of age, regardless of whether their identity is known. The statute covers a range of conduct, and prosecutors treat each item of material as a separate offense.
Offenses covered under 827.071 include:
- Possession, control, or intentional viewing of any photograph, motion picture, image, computer depiction, or other presentation that includes child pornography, with each image and each child depicted counted as a separate offense
- Employing or inducing a child to engage in a sexual performance under 827.071(2)
- Producing, directing, or promoting any performance involving sexual conduct by a child under 827.071(3)
- Possessing with intent to promote any presentation that includes child pornography under 827.071(4), with possession of three or more copies treated as prima facie evidence of that intent
Trusted by Clients. Proven by Results.
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“Hiring Joe was without a doubt the best decision I could have made when it came to having someone handle a HTO revocation on my license.”- Mark
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“I highly recommend Mr. Montrone for anyone seeking top-notch legal representation.”- Alyse J.
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“Joe's communication throughout the entire process was top-notch—he explained every step and followed through on everything he promised.”- Stefan M.
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“His experience as a former prosecutor, equips him with the proper tools to ensure the best possible outcome.”- Mike B.
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“Joe Montrone is the best! From the start, he was hands down the most efficient, caring, and supportive attorney I have ever worked with.”- Katrina G.
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“I hired Joseph to represent me for a criminal charge and I’m so glad I did. If you’re looking for a professional that’s knowledgeable and will fight for you, you found him.”- Dave D.
