Dundalk, MD CSAM Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Addressing Child Pornography Offenses in Dundalk, Maryland

Accusations involving child pornography may lead to arrests, the confiscation of electronic devices like computers and phones, and charges in state or federal courts. Child pornography may also be known as child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The penalties for offenses involving possessing CSAM, distributing these materials to others, or being involved in the production of child pornography can be severe. People who are convicted will often be subject to large fines, and they may be sentenced to prison for multiple years or even decades. The consequences for a conviction can last for the rest of a person's life due to a status as a registered sex offender.

Due to the serious nature of these charges, it is essential to have strong, informed legal representation from the very beginning of a case. The attorneys at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC provide representation for clients in Dundalk, and we can also assist with federal CSAM charges in Maryland or other locations throughout the U.S. Through our advocacy, we ensure that our clients' rights are protected at all times. We have the skills and experience needed to help minimize or eliminate the consequences that people accused of CSAM offenses may face.

Why Experienced Legal Representation Is Essential

Defending against CSAM charges requires a strong knowledge of the applicable laws and the procedures followed during these cases. These cases often involve digital forensic evidence and other complex factors, and a defendant will need to be sure that their attorney can address these legal issues correctly. An experienced lawyer will understand the ideal defense strategies and use methods that are known to help clients defend against convictions and minimize the penalties they may face.

The attorneys at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC are uniquely qualified to represent clients in these sensitive and complex cases because:

We have successfully represented numerous clients facing CSAM charges in state courts and federal courts.
With our comprehensive knowledge of child pornography laws and defense strategies, we teach other attorneys how to effectively defend clients charged with CSAM offenses.
We often receive referrals from mental health providers who treat people charged with CSAM offenses, demonstrating their trust in our ability to provide compassionate yet effective legal representation.

With this background, Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC delivers representation that combines legal skill with discretion and understanding.

What Is Child Pornography?

Materials that may result in CSAM charges include:

Photographs or videos depicting minors who are involved in sexual acts, such as sexual intercourse, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual contact, or states of sexual arousal.
Digital pictures or video recordings stored on personal computers, smartphones, tablets, or other electronic devices.
Digital visual materials accessed through the internet, even if they have not been stored on a person's computer or other devices.
Images generated or altered using AI or other computer software that depict real children who are identifiable.

Possession of even a single image can lead to criminal charges. Prosecutors may bring separate counts against a defendant for each photo, video, or digital file, which can significantly increase the potential penalties that may apply for a conviction.

Penalties for CSAM Offenses in Maryland

A person who is charged with a child pornography offense in Maryland could be sentenced to multiple years or decades in prison if they are convicted. A conviction will usually require a person to register as a sex offender. The specific charges may include:

Possession of CSAM: The maximum penalty for this offense, which may include knowingly and intentionally accessing and retaining child pornography, is five years in a state prison. Each count for which a person is convicted may result in a separate penalty, leading to even longer sentences when penalties are added together. A conviction will typically require a person to register as a Tier I sex offender. The term of registration is typically 15 years. With the help of our attorneys, clients may have the opportunity to prevent sex offender registration, or the time that they will be required to register may be lowered from 15 years to 10 years.
CSAM Production, Promotion, or Distribution: These offenses are more serious than possession of child pornography, and each count may carry a potential sentence of 10 years in prison. A conviction will generally require a person to register as a Tier II sex offender, and this requirement will remain in place for 25 years.

Federal CSAM Offenses and Penalties

When child pornography cases are handled in federal courts, the potential penalties can increase significantly. The offenses of possession, receipt, and distribution of CSAM are governed by 18 U.S.C. 2252. While a conviction for distribution or receipt of CSAM may lead to a minimum mandatory sentence lasting for five years, there is no mandatory minimum sentence that may be imposed in cases involving CSAM possession. Production of CSAM, which is governed by 18 U.S.C. 2251, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years, as well as a potential fine as high as $250,000.

The sentences imposed in many federal CSAM cases are especially severe due to the use of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.). Judges may use these guidelines, weighing the factors involved in a case and a defendant's history to determine appropriate sentences. When judges follow these guidelines to the letter, they will often impose the maximum penalties. This is because different types of enhancements may lead to increased sentences. Our lawyers can argue against the use of these enhancements, including those related to the use of a computer, which is a factor in nearly every CSAM case. Through our efforts, our clients can usually achieve shorter, more appropriate sentences.

Contact Our Dundalk Child Pornography Charges Lawyers

CSAM charges can affect you for the rest of your life if they are not handled properly. The lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC have the qualifications and experience to ensure that you will be able to mount a successful defense against child pornography charges. Contact our Dundalk, MD CSAM attorneys and arrange a free consultation by calling 410-837-0020.