Maryland Child Pornography Lawyer

Child pornography involves media, such as photographs or videos, that show a minor engaged in sexual activity or sexual conduct. If a person is facing allegations of creating or possessing such material, they are recommended to contact a Maryland child pornography lawyer for advice.

A well-practiced attorney could fight to protect you against criminal penalties and could assist in preserving your professional and personal life.

Is Child Pornography an Enforcement Priority in Maryland?

Federal law and Maryland laws are very similar when it comes to child pornography. While the offense is an enforcement priority in Maryland, the actual enforcement is typically done in conjunction with federal authorities and federal agencies that take the lead in conducting or initiating investigations. When appropriate, federal agencies will work with state authorities or even hand them the case at the appropriate time.

Out-of-State Defendants

For an out-of-state person to be charged with child pornography offenses in Maryland, there has to be some connection to Maryland. Only then may the state to have jurisdiction. The connection is not required to be massive or central. If the child was in Maryland or if the defendant communicated with someone who is located in Maryland regarding the criminal conduct, then the individual could be charged in Maryland.

There is a law that supports Maryland jurisdiction. Typically, such cases will not be brought on their own. If an out-of-state individual participates in the exchange of child pornography in Maryland, they could be charged under Maryland state law. A criminal attorney could explain where a person’s sex crime allegations may be tried.

Child Exploitation Cases Involving Minors as Defendants

The law applies even if the defendant is also a minor. While there are no defenses for someone who is under 18, cases involving minors will be heard in juvenile court in lieu of adult court.

The nature of the allegations could factor into how this case is treated. If it is a non-malicious consensual exchange of sexual content between two minors, it typically will not be treated the same as an adult who is going online searching for videos of child sex abuse.

While minors do face potential consequences for their actions, the juvenile court could handle the case more appropriately and may focus on the educational and rehabilitated aspects of penalties. Child pornography cases involving adults focus on punishing conduct.

Bringing Child Pornography Charges to Federal Court

Child pornography charges must qualify on the federal level before they could be brought to federal court. This typically occurs when cases cross state lines. If a web page hosting the material is located in another state, it could bring federal charges. The electronic signals from a person’s computer travel outside of Maryland. Any person in Maryland who is accused of using the internet to commit a child pornography offense may be subject to federal jurisdiction.

Most child pornography cases involve some use of the internet. The privilege in any use of the internet could cross state lines and invoke federal jurisdiction.

These cases are relatively straightforward since they have an international aspect to them in a way that information is exchanged. Even if it is simple possession, child pornography defendants could be brought to federal court.

How a Person Could be Charged With Child Pornography

A person could be charged with this offense simply by going on the internet, searching for child pornography, and then downloading or saving this material to the computer. Individuals may have a significant amount of illicit sexual material involving minors stored in a hard drive or on an electronic device.

A person may be caught participating in online discussions or message forums dedicated to child pornography. It is not uncommon for individuals to use what is referred to as the dark web, which is an anonymous internet browser that might attempt to make a person’s online identity anonymous. As an outgrowth of these online conversations, someone may begin to trade or exchange child pornography.

Less common are individuals actively participating in the production and distribution of child pornography. The more common perpetrators are users of child pornography. Individuals in or out of the state could consult a Maryland child pornography lawyer to learn their options.

Contact a Maryland Child Pornography Lawyer

When facing child pornography charges, a defendant should contact an attorney immediately. Even if the person has not been charged, individuals may benefit from calling a lawyer if they suspect they are under investigation. A person should not speak to law enforcement, the prosecutors, or even with their family and friends about the charges before speaking with their legal counsel.

The sooner a person gets an attorney involved in the case, the more options and resources that may be available for the accused. Contact a Maryland child pornography lawyer today to discuss your case.