Owings MillsChild Pornography Lawyers

Attorneys for CSAM Possession, Distribution, or Production Charges in Owings Mills, MD

When criminal cases involving allegations of sex crimes against children, defendants will often be treated harshly. In many cases, people will be treated as if they are guilty before being given the chance to respond to the accusations. When police officers or other law enforcement officials charge suspects with offenses related to child pornography, there may be multiple explanations for an alleged offense, but proving that a person is innocent can be more difficult than expected. Because of the severe penalties and the biases against people who are considered to be sex offenders, it is important to get legal representation as soon as possible in these cases.

At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys can provide a strong defense for people in Owings Mills who are facing charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). We have the experience needed to address charges that may be filed in both state and federal courts. We understand the legal issues that can play a role in these cases, and we can review the evidence and counter the claims made by prosecutors to help our clients avoid criminal convictions.

Penalties for Child Pornography Offenses

Possession

A person may be charged with possessing child pornography if they are accused of knowingly possessing and retaining CSAM. A case may involve accusations that a person accessed a website and viewed CSAM, downloaded files to their computer or another device, or kept physical copies of photographs or videotapes.

Under Maryland law, a person who has not previously been convicted of a CSAM offense may be sentenced to up to five years in prison, and fines as high as $2,500 may also apply. If a person has any previous convictions for CSAM offenses, they may be sentenced to up to 10 years and fined up to $10,000. Each image, video file, or other piece of child pornography may be charged as a separate count of a CSAM possession offense.

Distribution

The penalties for distributing child pornography are more serious than those that will typically apply for CSAM possession. A person could face these charges if they are accused of uploading CSAM to a website, making child pornography available for others to access and download, or sharing or selling physical materials like photos or videotapes.

The penalties for CSAM distribution charges in Maryland include a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a potential $25,000 fine for a first offense. A second offense may double the potential penalties, leading to up to 20 years in prison and fines as high as $50,000.

Production

The most serious offenses involving child pornography will be related to the production of CSAM. A person could be charged with a crime if they have allegedly filmed or photographed minors as they engage in sexually explicit conduct. Other forms of involvement in child pornography production may also lead to criminal charges, including soliciting or coercing children to create CSAM, allowing a child to be involved in CSAM as a parent or guardian, creating computer-generated images or videos that appear to depict actual minors engaging in sexual activities, or profiting from producing CSAM.

In Maryland, CSAM production charges generally carry the same penalties as CSAM distribution charges. However, a person may also face additional charges related to the sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of children. Those who are convicted will be more likely to receive sentences that are close to the maximum possible penalties, because judges and juries often treat child sex offenders harshly.

Collateral Consequences of a CSAM Conviction

Penalties like imprisonment and fines are just one aspect of the ways a CSAM conviction can affect a person. The collateral consequences that will also apply can be just as severe, and they can last long past the point when a sentence has been served. These consequences include:

Sex Offender Registration

The Maryland Sex Offender Registry tracks people who have been convicted of sex crimes, including offenses involving child pornography. Information on the registry is publicly accessible, and it may be viewed by neighbors, employers, and others in a community. A person who is a registered sex offender may not be allowed to live in places that are close to schools, parks, or other locations near children. They may also be restricted from working in certain jobs. These issues can make life much more difficult for people who are trying to move forward after serving a sentence for a CSAM offense.

Employment Consequences

A person who has been convicted of a CSAM-related crime will have a permanent criminal record. When they try to find a job, an employer may perform a background check and learn about their conviction. Employers will often be unwilling to hire convicted sex offenders. In addition to restrictions on working in certain fields, a person may be unable to obtain a professional license, which can further limit their career options. Difficulties finding work can make it nearly impossible for a person to support themselves after they are released from prison.

Family and Relationship Effects

Personal relationships may be affected by a sex crime conviction. A person may lose friends, and they may no longer be welcomed by churches or other people in their community. Family court cases may be affected by a conviction involving child pornography, and a person could lose custody of their children or be prevented from seeing their children at all without supervision.

Internet and Technology Restrictions

As part of the conditions of release from prison, a person may face restrictions on how they can use the internet or other types of technology. While these restrictions may be meant to prevent a person from engaging in illegal activity, they can also make it difficult to fully participate in modern life.

Contact Our Owings Mills Child Pornography Defense Attorneys

In cases where a person is accused of a child pornography crime, experienced legal representation is crucial from the moment they learn about a criminal investigation. Reaching out to an attorney after being arrested or after devices are seized by law enforcement can help ensure that a person will be able to take the right steps to defend against CSAM charges. At Silverman Thompson, we are ready to assist with these matters and help a person take steps to avoid a conviction. Contact our Owings Mills, MD CSAM charges defense lawyers at 410-385-2225 to schedule a free consult.