Viewing child porn on your computer in the privacy of your home is a felony.  If you are downloading child porn on Limewire or similar site, the police are scanning these sites and entering your computer through this file sharing device.  You can now be accused of distributing pornography.  The police will obtain your IP address from your internet service provider, and then show up at your house with a search warrant to seize all of your computers, cameras, and any other electronic device which can hold images.  Never consent to a search, and don't make any statements.  There are numerous defenses that can be asserted against these crimes, provided you ask for an attorney immediately and then call me.  Federal laws are harsher than State laws.  Possessing the same number of images under State law can result in probation with the right attorney or you could get 5 yrs minimum mandatory if the Feds indict you.