Distributing pornography online isn’t always illegal, but when it involves people who are minors, it becomes a very serious offense that can be punished on two levels. In Maryland, you can face both state and federal prosecution for being caught distributing, collecting, or watching child pornography. Knowing the legal defenses for sex crimes is vital in your situation.
You may have to defend yourself aggressively. Cases involving child pornography quickly head to the media, and it could put your reputation at risk. You shouldn’t have to worry about your family being harassed, losing your job, or facing unjust punishment.
When you’re arrested for the possession of child pornography, a search and seizure of your home usually has already taken place. At that point, it’s very important to speak with someone who understands your legal rights; was the search and seizure completed correctly and legally under law? Were your rights violated when your home was searched? Was a warrant readily available and offered to you?
If you’re convicted of a child pornography charge, the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison in Maryland. Federal law could require up to 20 years in prison as well. That’s a large part of your life that you could miss out on due to a misunderstanding. On top of that, you face the possibility of being listed as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
Don’t let the circumstances of this arrest get out of control. Please feel free to browse our website to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your livelihood. You don’t need to go through this situation on your own.
