Owings Mills, Maryland Child Pornography Lawyers

Attorneys for Criminal Charges Related to Child Sexual Abuse Materials in Owings Mills, MD

Allegations of sex crimes are some of the most serious situations a person can face when they are arrested and charged with criminal offenses. In cases where these allegations are related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), the penalties can be severe. These cases may be prosecuted at the state level, but in many cases, federal charges will apply. Understanding how to respond to these charges and defend against a conviction can be difficult, but taking the proper steps is crucial to help avoid a conviction that could lead to a long prison sentence, sex offender registration requirements, and other penalties.

From the very beginning of a case, legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we have been working with clients for years to defend against CSAM offenses and other types of sex crimes. We have helped numerous clients achieve success when defending against both state and federal child pornography charges. Our level of knowledge in these matters is unparalleled, and in addition to representing clients in CSAM cases, we also educate other lawyers on the best defense strategies to use in these matters. Contact us today to get the representation you need as you defend against child pornography accusations.

What to Do if You Are Being Investigated

Prior to performing an arrest, law enforcement officials will typically perform investigations, gathering information about a suspect's activities and compiling evidence. They may track a person's online activity or monitor them in other ways. The data gathered during an investigation can play a crucial role in a criminal case. Defendants may be able to address violations of their rights or other concerns related to investigations and criminal prosecutions.

If you believe that you are being investigated for an offense involving CSAM, it is important to take the right steps to protect yourself. If your computer, phone, or other devices have been seized, but charges have not yet been filed, taking the right actions can help you protect your rights and prepare to defend against child pornography charges. Be sure to remember the following:

Do not attempt to access online accounts or delete files. If you are accused of interfering with an investigation, you could face additional charges.
Do not make statements to law enforcement. Anything you say to police officers or other officials may be used as evidence against you. Even if you believe that you can provide a valid explanation or show that accusations are based on a misunderstanding, your statements may be seen as a confession. You should always exercise your right to remain silent and decline to answer any questions or give any statements.
Contact our attorneys immediately. To make sure your rights will be protected, you will need an experienced legal advocate on your side. We can help you address any issues related to an investigation, including determining whether your rights may have been violated by an unlawful search or seizure. We will advise you on how to respond to law enforcement and how to avoid incrimination. We will work with you to develop a defense strategy to help minimize the consequences you may face.

Federal CSAM Charges

Offenses involving child pornography are frequently investigated and prosecuted by federal officials. When a case involves the alleged transmission of CSAM over the internet or other activities that took place in multiple states or countries, federal charges are more likely to apply. Our lawyers can provide a defense against federal child pornography charges that may include:

Possession: If you are accused of possessing sexually explicit materials depicting one or more children under the age of 18, you could be sentenced to up to 10 years in a federal prison. This offense does not have a mandatory minimum sentence, but courts will often impose lengthy sentences due to the serious nature of CSAM charges.
Receipt or Distribution: While distributing CSAM is considered to be a more serious offense than possession, the receipt of CSAM can lead to similar charges. In these cases, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison will typically apply for those who are convicted. The maximum sentence may be as high as 20 years.
Production: Any use of a child to create sexually explicit content can lead to charges of CSAM production. This may include coercing or enticing minors to create child pornography, having minors assist in the creation of sexually explicit material, or transporting children across state lines or international borders for the purpose of creating CSAM. In these cases, the mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years in a federal prison, and the maximum sentence may be as high as 30 years.

Experienced legal representation is crucial in federal CSAM cases due to the unique issues that can affect these cases, including:

Federal Prosecutors Have Vast Resources: Investigations may be conducted by federal agencies that use advanced forensic techniques. Prosecutors will have nearly unlimited resources as they gather information and pursue convictions. A strong defense will require an attorney who understands the investigative techniques that may be used and the best ways to address the evidence involved in a case.
Pretrial Detention Is Presumed: Under federal law, defendants who are facing CSAM charges are considered to be a risk to public safety. Federal prosecutors may attempt to keep a person in detention rather than allowing them to be released into the community while they are waiting for their trial to be held. Our lawyers can counter the presumption of detention and work to have clients released while cases are ongoing.
Sentencing Guidelines Apply: In CSAM cases and other types of federal criminal cases, sentencing guidelines are used to establish sentences based on factors that include the level of offense and a person's previous criminal record. There are multiple types of enhancements that may increase the length of a sentence. Our attorneys can address the issues that could lead to enhanced sentences, arguing for reduced penalties whenever possible.

Maryland Child Pornography Charges

In some cases, child pornography offenses may be prosecuted at the state level. Maryland has its own laws related to CSAM, and people who are accused of these offenses may face criminal charges that could include:

Child Pornography Possession: A person who is accused of possessing or accessing visual depictions of a child under the age of 16 engaging in sexual conduct, participating in sadomasochism, or in a sexually aroused state could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Child Pornography Production, Distribution, or Promotion: Any activities related to the creation of CSAM, the distribution of these materials to other people, or the advertising or promotion of child pornography could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

These penalties can multiply quickly if prosecutors charge multiple counts based on the number of images or videos involved in a case. A successful defense against CSAM charges will require the help of an attorney who has experience handling these matters in Maryland courts.

Contact Our Owings Mills CSAM Defense Attorneys

When you are facing charges related to child sexual abuse materials, the consequences could affect you for the rest of your life. Securing legal representation from an attorney with the necessary skills and experience is the best way to protect your rights and ensure that your case can be resolved successfully. Contact the Owings Mills, MD child pornography defense lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC by calling 410-837-0020 and scheduling your free initial consultation.