Internet Child Pornography

Aggressive Baltimore Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Possession of child pornography is a growing area of criminal prosecution, both in Maryland state and federal courts. Finding a defense attorney who understands the appropriate legal defenses of Internet sex crimes is essential to ensure the fullest protection of your rights and privacy.

At the Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter, Attorney at Law, I have more than 25 years of experience defending people accused of sex crimes. With offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Ocean City and Bel Air, I represent people throughout Maryland who have been charged with possession of child pornography or solicitation of a minor on the Internet.

Will You Face State or Federal Child Pornography Charges?

An arrest for possession of child pornography usually follows a search of your home and seizure of your computer. At that point, you should discuss your case with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to find out whether Maryland authorities will retain jurisdiction of your case or turn it over to federal prosecutors.

A conviction of child pornography charges can have devastating consequences, even if you do not have a prior criminal record. The maximum penalty for possession of child porn images in Maryland state court is 20 years incarceration and a $50,000 fine. The maximum penalty in federal court is 20 years. You also face lifetime registration as a sex offender.

As your lawyer, I can give you an up-front assessment of the consequences you face, based on the number of images on your computer, the ages of the children and the depiction of the children in the images, such as use of sadomasochism.

Defenses in Child Pornography Cases

I will review the circumstances of the search and seizure to determine if any evidence should be suppressed. For example, if the police did not have probable cause to secure a warrant, I will seek to have the charges dismissed.

In any criminal case, it is important for the accused to enroll in a treatment program before they appear in court. I refer clients to facilities and counseling centers if they have been charged with child porn offenses. Your willingness to seek treatment can make a big difference in your sentence, both on the state or the federal level, if you are convicted.

Free Consultation With an Experienced Child Porn Defense Attorney

If you face child pornography charges in Maryland, contact me, criminal defense attorney Charles L. Waechter, for help.