Clarksville Child Pornography Lawyer
Clarksville Child Pornography Attorney
Criminal charges involving child pornography are very serious. If you have been arrested or accused of such crimes, you should take action as early as possible by consulting a qualified Clarksville child pornography lawyer.
About the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA
At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we believe in working with our clients to find a solution that makes sense given the circumstances. Our experienced attorneys provide counsel that allows each individual client to make informed legal decisions. Founding attorney Todd K. Mohink has more than 25 years of law experience, allowing him to craft effective and impactful defense strategies for his clients.
When to Hire a Child Pornography Lawyer
In 2024, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 20.5 million reports of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation, which was less than what they received in 2023, which was 36.2 million reports.
Of the over 20 million reports, the vast majority involved child pornography charges. Child pornography is also referred to as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). There were more than 19,850,000 reports of CSAM manufacture, possession, and distribution. If you have been accused of any of these crimes, you should hire a child pornography lawyer.
Child pornography and sexual abuse crimes in the state of Maryland apply to individuals under the age of 16. Sexual abuse material is considered to be any visual depiction of a child who is sexually aroused, engaged in sexual activity, or subjected to sadomasochism. These are some of the unlawful offenses a qualified Clarksville child pornography attorney can help defend you against:
- Possession: It is illegal to knowingly access and possess child pornography.
- Creation: The manufacture or production of child sexual abuse material is unlawful. Pornography includes videos and photographs.
- Distribution: The distribution or selling of child pornographic material is against state and federal law. This includes the promotion of child sexual abuse material or leading others to believe the pornography depicts a minor.
- Online child pornography crimes: In addition to accessing illegal material online, it is against the law to use a computer to depict a child engaging in sexual or obscene acts. It is also unlawful to share a minor’s personal and private information with the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual conduct.
Understanding State and Federal Child Pornography Laws
The legal penalties you may face if convicted of a child pornography crime can depend on multiple factors. Case details such as the type of crime, the nature of the offense, whether you have a history of similar convictions, and other important factors can all influence the degree of punishment you could face.
For first-time offenders, possession of child sexual abuse material is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Repeat offenders can face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Child pornography crimes can also fall under federal jurisdiction if the illegal activity uses the internet or otherwise crosses state lines.
Similar to Maryland state law, it is against federal law for a person to possess, receive, distribute, or produce child pornography. It is also a crime to coerce a child to engage in illicit or obscene conduct in order to produce such visual depictions. Federal penalties can also vary. For example, a first-time federal conviction for producing CSAM is punishable by 15 to 30 years and additional fines.
Potential Defense Strategies Against a CSAM Offense
There are numerous defense strategies your attorney may use when addressing the child sexual abuse charges against you. One common defense includes asserting that the defendant had a lack of knowledge that there was a presence of illegal pornography.
Another defense approach is pointing out errors in law enforcement’s conduct. If your rights were violated, such as being subjected to an unlawful search and seizure, it is possible for all collected evidence to be thrown out.
Other common defense strategies include asserting that the defendant was coerced into committing the crime, known as entrapment, or that the situation is a case of mistaken identity. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, some defense approaches may be more effective than others.
Can Juveniles Be Charged With a Child Pornography Offense?
The answer is yes; juveniles are also at risk of facing child pornography charges. This is because juveniles, or individuals under the age of 18, can still be seen as violating child sexual abuse laws if they are found texting or using social media to distribute sexual images that depict minors.
Even if the messages are between consenting partners, if the activity is reported to the police, it can result in an arrest. This is because, in the eyes of the law, underage individuals are deemed incapable of providing consent. If you or a juvenile relative has been charged with a child pornography crime, it’s incredibly important to speak to a qualified defense attorney right away.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney Against CSAM Charges
It can be very beneficial to work with a skilled defense attorney if you’ve been charged with a CSAM offense. A defense lawyer protects your rights, explains your legal options, and guides you every step of the way during the criminal proceedings.
Child pornography cases in Clarksville are typically handled by the Circuit Court for Howard County, which is located at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Initial proceedings and preliminary hearings for felony cases are likely to first go through the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Strong Legal Defense Against Child Pornography Charges
If you or a family member has been accused of possessing or producing child pornography, it would be wise to take action sooner rather than later. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced legal team at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA. We can address your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and begin building your defense case today.
Anne Arundel County
Empire Towers
7310 Ritchie Highway, Suite 910
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-766-0113
Fax: 410-766-0270
Howard County On the grounds of Columbia Mall
30 Corporate Center
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,
Suite 900
Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: 410-964-0050
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