Bowie Child Pornography Attorneys

Lawyers for CSAM-Related Criminal Charges in Bowie, MD

Pornographic materials depicting minors are illegal, and people who are accused of possessing these materials can face serious criminal charges. Those who are convicted of possessing child pornography may face prison sentences of multiple years or decades, and the requirement to register as a sex offender can place severe restrictions on a person's life. In cases involving accusations of distributing child pornography or creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), the penalties are likely to be even more serious.

Regardless of the nature of criminal charges related to child pornography, legal representation by a lawyer who has experience in these matters can help ensure that a person's rights will be protected. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we defend clients in Bowie and throughout Maryland who have been accused of CSAM-related offenses. We have extensive experience in these cases, and due to our comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws, we also educate other attorneys to ensure that they can defend clients successfully.

What to Do if You Are Arrested or Investigated for a CSAM Offense

When you learn that you may face accusations or criminal charges related to child pornography, you will need to take immediate action to protect your rights and begin building a defense strategy. The steps you take in the early stages of your case are critical, and with help from Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, you can address these situations the right way.

• If you are arrested: Do not attempt to explain your side of the story to police or discuss your case with them without an attorney present. Even if you believe that you can provide an explanation or clear up a misunderstanding, you may inadvertently provide evidence that could be used against you in a criminal case. You should always exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney immediately.
• If you learn you are being investigated: Contact Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC before speaking to law enforcement. Investigators may try to obtain voluntary statements, acting as if they are just trying to get information or answers to simple questions. Any statements you make or information you provide could be used later to support criminal charges. Our lawyers will advise you on the best steps to take to avoid unintentional self-incrimination and begin building a defense.
• If your devices have been seized: Do not attempt to access online accounts, delete files, or otherwise interfere with the investigation. Doing so could result in additional charges. Instead, contact our attorneys to learn how to proceed. We may be able to address the legality of searches and seizures, and we will take steps to ensure that your rights are protected. We will help you prepare your defense and ensure that you will be ready to defend against a conviction.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

Defending against child pornography charges requires detailed knowledge of the law and the factors that may affect these cases. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our understanding of digital forensics, federal and state statutes, the procedures followed by investigators, and the appropriate legal defenses ensures that we will be able to develop a strong defense for you.

Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of both Maryland and federal laws related to CSAM. We know how to address the methods law enforcement may use to obtain digital evidence, and we will make sure your rights are protected at all times. With our experience negotiating with prosecutors in sensitive, high-stakes cases, we can help determine the best strategies to help you secure an acquittal or dismissal, reduce the charges against you, or minimize the penalties that you may face.

Child Pornography Charges in Maryland

In some cases, charges related to child pornography may be addressed in state courts. Maryland law imposes penalties for the possession, distribution, or production of CSAM. Each count of child pornography possession could lead to a sentence of up to five years in a state prison. Charges of production or distribution of CSAM may lead to sentences of up to 10 years. Sex offender registration will also be required for those who are convicted.

Our lawyers understand how to defend against child pornography charges in state courts. We can take steps to help a defendant avoid a conviction, but if this will not be possible, we will advocate for a sentence that will minimize a prison sentence and other penalties. In some cases, we may be able to help defendants avoid sex offender registration or reduce the amount of time that they will be required to register. Contact us to learn how this may be possible.

Additional Concerns in Federal CSAM Cases

When child pornography charges are prosecuted in federal courts, the potential penalties of a conviction are likely to be more serious. These cases may involve a variety of unique factors, including:

• Presumption of Detention: Under federal law, people who are charged with child pornography offenses are presumed to be a risk to public safety. Because of this, prosecutors may try to keep a person in detention while they are awaiting trial. Our attorneys can take steps to overcome this presumption by demonstrating that the defendant is not a danger to the community and will appear in court when required. We work to ensure that our clients will be able to avoid disruptions to their lives during their criminal cases.
• Federal Prosecutors' Resources: The U.S. Attorney's Office has access to extensive investigative and technological resources. CSAM cases often involve large-scale investigations and digital forensic analysis. Our lawyers have the skills and experience needed to respond to federal prosecutors and develop successful defense strategies.
• Federal Sentencing Guidelines: When a person is convicted on federal CSAM charges, the sentence they will face will be determined using the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.). Because of the different types of enhancements that are included in these guidelines, the facts involved in a case may lead to longer potential sentences. Our attorneys have the knowledge needed to address these enhancements and argue for mitigating factors that will allow for reduced sentences.

Contact Our Bowie, Maryland Child Pornography Defense Lawyers

When you have been charged with offenses related to child sexual abuse materials at the state or federal level, your future is at risk. You need immediate legal representation to ensure that your rights will be protected. The skilled lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC can help you build a defense strategy to protect against a conviction or minimize the penalties you may face. To arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, contact our Bowie CSAM defense attorneys at 410-837-0020.