Maryland Distribution of Child Pornography Defense Attorney

Defense Lawyer for Charges of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography/CSAM in Maryland and Throughout the U.S.

If you have been arrested for distributing, selling, sharing or receiving child pornography, you could face serious federal charges. A conviction can lead to numerous criminal penalties and collateral consequences. It is important to take action to address these accusations and defend against criminal charges. A skilled attorney at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC can provide the representation you need as you defend against charges related to Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). Even before you are arrested, including when you are being investigated by law enforcement or when your devices have been seized, we can take steps to protect your rights. We will make sure you understand the defense strategies that you can use, and we will advocate for you throughout your entire case.

Due to the gravity of sex crime allegations, you need an experienced lawyer by your side as you defend against these charges. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we have represented numerous clients in cases involving CSAM. In addition to helping you defend against a conviction or minimizing your potential penalties, we can help you take steps to secure a pretrial release after you have been arrested. We will advocate for you and rebut the presumption that you should be held in federal detention while awaiting trial on child pornography charges.

Federal Charges for Receipt or Distribution of CSAM

In general, charges related to the possession of child pornography are considered to be less serious than charges related to the distribution of CSAM. However, under federal law (18 U.S.C. Section 2252), the receipt and distribution of CSAM are grouped together. This means that accusations of accessing, downloading, or otherwise receiving child pornography could lead to the same penalties that would apply if CSAM was allegedly sold or distributed to others.

Federal law addresses CSAM that was involved in "interstate or foreign commerce." This generally means that federal charges may apply if child pornography was transported across state lines or imported into the United States from another country. However, since most CSAM offenses involve the use of computers, downloading images or videos will often involve the transmission of data through networks in multiple states or countries. This can trigger federal investigations and prosecution.

The penalties for a federal conviction of receipt or distribution of CSAM may be harsher than those that would apply in a case involving child pornography possession. In these cases, the mandatory minimum prison sentence is five years. When imposing sentences, federal judges use the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.). Depending on the facts of a case, these guidelines suggest sentences that may be appropriate. There are multiple factors that may lead to sentence enhancements, including the use of a computer, which is likely to be an element in nearly every child pornography prosecution. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can argue against excessive enhancements that would lead to inappropriate sentences. When defending clients against federal charges related to CSAM, we have helped them obtain sentences that are much lower than would typically be recommended by the sentencing guidelines.

Defending Against Charges of Receipt or Distribution of Child Pornography

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our team will work with you to devise a strong defense based on the facts of your case. We may argue that you did not knowingly receive CSAM or that you did not intend to distribute materials to others. We can address any violations of your rights, such as evidence that was obtained through an illegal search or seizure. From the moment you learn that you are being investigated or after your computer, phone, or other devices have been seized by law enforcement, we can help you take steps to defend yourself. We will work to determine whether the charges against you may be dismissed or whether an acquittal may be possible. We can also negotiate with prosecutors to help you achieve an outcome that will minimize your penalties, reduce the potential prison sentence, and limit the impact of these charges on your life.

Contact Our Maryland Child Pornography Distribution Defense Lawyer

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we can help you contest allegations of receiving or distributing child pornography. We have the experience needed to successfully defend against federal charges related to CSAM. We will advocate for you throughout the legal process, helping you resolve your case successfully. To schedule a complimentary consultation with our CSAM defense attorneys today, call our firm at 410-837-0020 or reach out to us online.