Maryland Production of Child Pornography Defense Attorney

Experienced Attorney for Clients Accused of Producing Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) in Maryland and Throughout the U.S.

Offenses related to the sexual exploitation of minors are taken very seriously, and in some cases, they are prosecuted as federal crimes. If you have been accused of manufacturing or facilitating the production of child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), you could face severe penalties, including decades of incarceration, very high fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. Immediate action will need to be taken as soon as you learn that you have been accused of a child pornography offense, discover that you are being investigated for the production of CSAM, or have been arrested. Representation from an attorney who has experience defending against federal child pornography charges is crucial.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we understand what is at stake for you when you have been accused of manufacturing or producing child pornography. We have represented many clients in federal courts in Maryland and other parts of the United States in cases involving CSAM. By contacting us as soon as you learn about a criminal investigation or after your devices have been seized by federal officials, we can help you build an effective defense strategy. DO NOT answer any questions asked by law enforcement investigators or federal officials, and do not speak to anyone about your case before talking to us. We will make sure you take the right steps to protect your rights while avoiding self-incrimination.

Understanding Charges for Producing or Manufacturing Child Pornography

Offenses related to the production of CSAM are addressed in 18 U.S.C. Section 2251. You could be charged with this offense if you are accused of causing a minor younger than 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction of that conduct. This may involve employing, coercing, persuading, inducing, enticing, or otherwise using a minor to produce sexually explicit materials or assist someone else in doing so. Production of child pornography may also involve transporting a child in "interstate or foreign commerce" for the purpose of creating CSAM, which may include transporting a minor across state lines.

If you are convicted in federal court of producing CSAM, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for a first offense. The maximum penalty is 30 years in prison, and it may apply for each count of production of CSAM for which you are convicted. For a second offense after a previous conviction of any federal or state offense involving child pornography, sex trafficking of children, sexual abuse, or abusive sexual contact with a minor, the minimum sentence is 25 years, and the maximum sentence is 50 years. If you have two previous convictions, a third offense carries a minimum sentence of 35 years and a maximum of life in prison. In addition, a conviction for production of CSAM may result in a fine as high as $250,000.

Sex Offender Registration for CSAM Production

If you are convicted of child pornography production in federal court, you will be considered a Tier II sex offender. You will be required to register as a sex offender and keep your registration current in any jurisdiction where you live, work, or attend school. The full registration period for a Tier II sexual offender is 25 years. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), knowingly failing to register as a sex offender or update your registration when required is a federal offense that can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Contact Our Maryland Child Sexual Abuse Material Production Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of producing child pornography, you need to speak to an attorney immediately. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our sex crime defense attorneys will represent you during your case, helping you determine what defense strategies may be available. We will take steps to defend against a conviction, mitigate the potential penalties, or negotiate agreements with prosecutors that will meet your needs. We will take steps to minimize the ways your life may be affected, including working to reduce a potential prison sentence or limit the period during which sex offender registration may be required. We have the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case. Call us at 410-837-0020 or contact us online for a free consultation.