Cockeysville, Maryland CSAM Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Child Pornography Charges in Cockeysville

When you have been arrested or are being investigated for offenses related to child pornography or child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), you may feel overwhelmed. You may not fully understand the criminal charges or the specific accusations you are facing, and you will probably be worried about what might happen if you are convicted. Child pornography crimes carry severe penalties, so you could be looking at many years behind bars, and you may be branded as a convicted sex offender. You will need to determine what steps to take during your defense, and you can do so with the help of a skilled sex crimes defense attorney.

The team at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC is ready to help you defend against CSAM-related charges. We have handled cases in Cockeysville, other parts of Maryland, and around the country for decades. Our clients have faced charges in Maryland courts and federal courts, and we have been able to help them achieve successful outcomes. We know how to protect our clients' rights, address complex digital evidence, and reduce or eliminate the consequences that they may face. Get in touch with us right away to get the legal representation you need.

Protecting Your Rights During an Arrest or Investigation

There are multiple steps that may be followed during an investigation related to CSAM. Police officers or other law enforcement officials may monitor a person's online activities or perform other types of surveillance. They may take steps to seize computers or other electronic devices so they can perform forensic investigations to uncover potential evidence. These actions may precede a formal arrest.

If you have learned that you are being investigated, or if you have been arrested, it is critical to take steps to safeguard your legal rights. These steps include:

• Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not try to explain anything to investigators or discuss your case with police in any way. Do not answer any questions without having an attorney in the room. Any statements you make could be used as evidence against you. While you may think that you can explain yourself or provide information showing that you are innocent, your statements could be taken as an admission of guilt. By remaining silent, you can protect against self-incrimination.
• Do not consent to additional searches. If they have not already obtained a search warrant allowing them to confiscate your devices, law enforcement officials may ask for access to phones, computers, or online accounts. You do not want to voluntarily turn over any information that could be used against you. Speak with our attorneys before granting consent to a search.
• Contact Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC immediately. The earlier you have legal representation, the more opportunities our lawyers will have to challenge unlawful searches, gather evidence that may exonerate you, and prepare a defense. Our attorneys will be by your side whenever you speak or interact with law enforcement, protecting you against self-incrimination. We will help you understand the steps you can take to defend against CSAM charges and prevent a conviction or minimize the long-term effects that these accusations may have on your life.

Why Legal Experience Matters in CSAM Cases

Child pornography prosecutions frequently rely on digital forensics, internet activity logs, and large volumes of electronic evidence. They also involve complex legal issues that may play a role in how your case is handled or what penalties you may face. Defending against charges related to CSAM requires a comprehensive legal knowledge and an understanding of the procedures followed in criminal cases, the technical details related to evidence, and the potential defense strategies.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we have represented clients in numerous cases involving allegations of CSAM possession, distribution, production, and other related offenses. Our attorneys will carefully review the evidence in your case, working with digital forensic experts when necessary and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments. By doing so, we can develop an effective defense strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.

Defense Strategies in Child Pornography Cases

Depending on the circumstances, our defense strategies may include:

• Seeking acquittal or dismissal: We may be able to argue that there is insufficient evidence to show that you knowingly possessed CSAM or intentionally committed an offense. In some cases, we may take steps to exclude evidence that was unlawfully obtained. Our goal will be to secure a "not guilty" verdict or have your case dismissed.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: If necessary, we will negotiate on your behalf, seeking to reduce the charges against you or minimize your penalties. We can help you take steps to reduce your potential sentence. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may work to ensure that you can avoid registration as a sex offender or have your name removed from the sex offender registry after 10 years.
• Challenging sentencing enhancements: In federal child pornography cases, the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) are used to determine the length of a prison sentence. We understand how these guidelines may be applied, and we will work to limit the potential enhancements that could increase the length of your sentence.

We will always provide you with clear explanations of your options. With our guidance, you will be able to make informed decisions about whether to pursue an acquittal at trial or negotiate a plea bargain. We will help you develop a successful defense strategy while protecting your rights throughout your case.

CSAM Offenses Under Maryland Law

Conduct involving CSAM is addressed in Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 11-207 and 11-208. Charges related to child pornography may include:

• Possession of CSAM: Knowingly possessing or accessing CSAM is an offense that carries a possible prison sentence as high as five years for each count of the offense.
• Production, Distribution, or Promotion of CSAM: Knowingly sharing child pornography with others may lead to charges of CSAM distribution. Advertising CSAM or using a computer to depict or describe CSAM may lead to charges of promotion of child pornography. Other actions related to the production of CSAM may lead to criminal charges, including taking photographs, making films or videos, soliciting a child to participate in child pornography, or sharing personal information about a child over the internet to encourage the production of child pornography. Penalties in these cases may include prison sentences as high as 10 years and/or fines as high as $25,000.

Federal CSAM Offenses

Federal prosecutors may bring charges against a person who is accused of offenses related to child pornography. In these cases, possession of child pornography will not have a mandatory minimum sentence, but the enhancements under the U.S.S.G. could lead to sentences as high as 10 years. The receipt or distribution of CSAM is considered to be more serious than child pornography possession, and these charges have mandatory minimum sentences of five years. People accused of producing CSAM may face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years per count of this offense.

Contact Our Cockeysville, MD Child Pornography Defense Lawyers

In a case involving CSAM allegations, Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC can provide you with strong legal representation. We will develop an effective defense strategy while advocating for your rights at all times. Contact our Cockeysville CSAM attorneys today by calling 410-837-0020 and arranging a free initial consultation.