Columbia Child Pornography Lawyers

Attorneys for CSAM Charges in Columbia, MD

Allegations involving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), which are commonly known as child pornography, are among the most serious criminal charges that are prosecuted in state or federal criminal courts. The penalties for these offenses can affect a person for years, decades, or even the rest of their life. From the moment a person becomes aware that they are being investigated or may be charged with a child pornography offense, it is important to begin building a defense with the help of a skilled attorney.

The lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC represent clients in Columbia and other parts of Maryland who have been accused of CSAM-related offenses. We are leaders in this field of the law, having represented numerous clients in both state and federal criminal cases involving CSAM offenses. We know how to address these charges and minimize the effects they will have on our clients' lives. Due to our strong understanding of these cases, we regularly provide educational classes and seminars to pass our knowledge on to other attorneys who provide defense for people charged with child pornography crimes.

The Serious Nature of CSAM Convictions

Child pornography cases are treated with extreme severity by the legal system. A conviction may result in multiple types of long-lasting consequences, including:

• Incarceration: Even the most minor CSAM-related offenses will typically result in multi-year prison sentences. In more serious cases, people who are convicted may be sentenced to decades in prison. Mandatory minimum sentences may apply for certain charges, limiting the possibility of an early release or the ability to receive parole or probation.
• Mandatory Sex Offender Registration: Most convictions for CSAM-related crimes will designate a person as a sex offender. They will be required to check in with law enforcement on a regular basis, updating personal details such as their home addresses, their places of employment, and the online accounts they use. Sex offender registration will lead to restrictions on where a person may live or work, and this can make life much more difficult.
• Financial Penalties: State-level CSAM charges in Maryland may result in fines of up to $25,000. When child pornography charges are prosecuted at the federal level, fines may be as high as $250,000.

These penalties underscore the importance of securing legal representation to defend against CSAM accusations. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we help clients build effective defense strategies that will help avoid convictions that may require sex offender registration, minimize jail sentences and fines, and limit other consequences that may affect our clients' lives.

Types of CSAM Offenses

Maryland statutes (Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Section 11-207 and 11-208) detail the specific charges that may apply in cases involving CSAM. Charges for the possession of child pornography may be based on accusations that a person intentionally accessed or viewed these types of materials, such as by visiting a website or downloading images or videos. Each individual image possessed may be considered a separate count of this offense. The maximum prison sentence per count is five years.

The potential sentence increases in cases involving accusations of the production, promotion, or distribution of CSAM. These offenses may involve distributing child pornography online or through other means, advertising or promoting CSAM, or creating child pornography in the form of photos, videos, or other images that depict actual and identifiable minors.

CSAM production charges may also involve accusations that a person induced, solicited, or allowed a child to be involved in the production of child pornography or that a person shared personal identifying data related to a child for the purpose of facilitating the creation of child pornography. A person who is convicted of producing, distributing, or promoting CSAM may be sentenced to as many as 10 years and/or fined up to $25,000.

State vs. Federal CSAM Charges

While Maryland law criminalizes CSAM at the state level, federal authorities may prosecute certain cases. Federal CSAM charges may involve the use of the internet or interstate or foreign commerce. The penalties for a conviction of CSAM possession include up to 10 years in prison. Even though federal laws do not specify a minimum sentence for these offenses, the guidelines used in federal courts may lead judges to impose the maximum sentence. Effective legal representation will be necessary to advocate against sentences that are overly harsh.

Cases involving accusations of distributing or producing child pornography do have mandatory minimum sentences. A person who is convicted of CSAM distribution will face a minimum 5-year sentence. This sentence may also apply in cases involving the receipt of CSAM. Charges involving CSAM production carry a minimum 15-year sentence.

The United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) are used in federal child pornography cases, and judges who follow these guidelines may impose harsh prison sentences. Sentences may increase significantly due to factors that are considered to be sentence enhancements, including CSAM involving minors below the age of 12 years old, cases involving a significant amount of materials, or even cases in which a computer was used (which will apply for nearly every defendant charged with a child pornography offense). Our lawyers can address the guidelines and help judges understand when their recommendations may be unnecessarily harsh. As a result, our clients have always achieved outcomes below the suggestions provided in the federal guidelines.

How Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC Can Help at Every Stage of a CSAM Case

CSAM cases are complex, and they often involve highly technical evidence. Our attorneys can ensure that defendants take the right steps to address accusations and criminal charges. We will provide effective representation from the beginning to the end of a case, addressing issues such as:

• Investigation: We can provide guidance on what steps clients should take before charges are filed. We will help protect against self-incrimination while ensuring that the right procedures are followed by law enforcement during search warrants or device seizures.
• Arrest: After a person has been taken into custody, we will advocate for a pretrial release while making sure law enforcement officials respect our client's constitutional rights. In federal CSAM cases, we can challenge the presumption that a person should be held in custody until their trial.
• Defense Strategy: We will work closely with clients to determine the best approach to take during their case. We may be able to question whether the possession of CSAM was knowing or intentional, identify violations of a person's rights, or use other defenses to help prevent a conviction. If necessary, we will work to negotiate agreements with prosecutors, seeking a reduction in charges or advocating for minimal penalties.

Contact Our Columbia, Maryland CSAM Charges Defense Attorneys

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can provide the legal representation needed to address charges related to CSAM possession, distribution, or production. Get legal help with your case by contacting our Columbia child pornography defense lawyers at 410-837-0020 and setting up a free and confidential consultation.