Facing a child pornography charge in Maryland is an overwhelming and life-altering experience. These cases are treated with extreme seriousness by police, prosecutors, and the courts. Even before a conviction, an accusation alone can jeopardize your career, family relationships, reputation, and freedom. Because of the severe penalties and long-term consequences, it is important to understand what you should and should not do the moment you learn you are being charged.
Whether the allegation involves online images, downloads, cloud storage, peer-to-peer software, or content found on a household computer, your next steps matter. Acting quickly and strategically can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
Understand How Maryland Treats Child Pornography Charges
Maryland criminalizes the possession, distribution, and viewing of child pornography under both state and federal law. Even a single image can lead to felony charges. Prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively, especially when law enforcement believes that digital devices contain multiple files or evidence of online sharing.
Common scenarios that lead to charges include:
- Investigations triggered by internet service providers
- Digital tracking by law enforcement task forces
- Seizure of computers and phones during unrelated investigations
- Peer-to-peer file-sharing activity
- Cloud storage accounts that automatically sync illegal content
Many people do not realize how much information is stored on their devices or how easily files can download without their knowledge. This is why obtaining immediate legal help is essential.
1. Do Not Speak to Police About the Allegations
Police may contact you before or after filing charges. They may claim they “just want to get your side” or suggest that explaining yourself will help. It will not. Anything you say can be used against you, even casual remarks.
You can politely say: “I am choosing to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
Once you make this request, stop talking. Continuing the conversation only weakens your protection.
2. Do Not Try to Access, Move, or Delete Anything
After learning you are under investigation or charged with possession of child pornography, you should not:
- Delete files
- Attempt to wipe a device
- Log into cloud accounts
- Reset passwords
- Modify apps or software
These actions can be misinterpreted as an attempt to destroy evidence, even if that was not your intent. Police often use specialized forensic tools that recover deleted files easily, so these efforts do not help and may worsen your situation.
3. Do Not Discuss the Case With Anyone Other Than Your Attorney
Being accused of a sex-related offense can create enormous stress. Many people confide in friends, family members, or co-workers. However, conversations with anyone other than your lawyer are not protected.
Avoid:
- Texting about the case
- Talking about it at work
- Posting online
- Discussing the details with friends or partners
Witnesses can be subpoenaed, and digital communications may be recovered. Protect yourself by keeping the case private.
4. Understand What the Charges Really Mean
Possession of child pornography in Maryland is a felony that often includes:
- Up to five years in prison for a first offense and up to 10 years in prison for subsequent offenses
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Probation restrictions
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Fines up to $10,000 depending on the offense
- Long-term digital monitoring
- Social and family consequences
However, each case turns on its specific facts. File names, metadata, downloads that happened automatically, shared computers, or the presence of malware can all influence the outcome. This means the initial charge does not automatically determine what will happen next.
Similar Post: What’s the Difference Between Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography in Maryland—and Why Does It Matter?
5. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Child pornography cases rely heavily on digital evidence, technical analysis, and the interpretation of electronic data. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how these investigations work and how to challenge the evidence.
A Maryland criminal defense lawyer can:
- Review the search warrant
- Challenge how the devices were seized
- Analyze whether police exceeded the warrant’s scope
- Examine the forensic report for errors
- Determine whether files downloaded automatically
- Investigate whether malware or viruses were involved
- Explore alternative explanations for the data
- Protect your constitutional rights throughout the case
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more options you may have.
6. Learn How Searches and Seizures Work in Digital Evidence Cases
When police seize a computer, phone, or hard drive, they often create a complete forensic image of the device. Investigators may analyze:
- Browsing history
- Hidden folders
- Deleted files
- Cloud backups
- Peer-to-peer software logs
- Messaging apps
- Download histories
- Metadata and timestamps
An attorney can review whether investigators conducted the search properly and whether any evidence should be suppressed.
7. Consider Whether Others Had Access to the Device
In many cases, the device in question may have been used by:
- Other household members
- Roommates
- Children or teenagers
- Co-workers
- Previous device owners
- People with remote access
Prosecutors must prove possession, not just that files existed on a device. If multiple people had access, this may weaken the state’s case. Your attorney can investigate whether sharing, remote access, or accidental downloads played a role.
Similar Post: Are You Facing Child Pornography Charges in Baltimore County? Here’s How to Protect Yourself
8. Understand That Charges Do Not Automatically Mean a Conviction
Many child pornography cases involve:
- Incorrect IP address associations
- Misidentification
- Automatically downloaded content
- Files embedded in other downloads
- Malware installing unwanted material
- Mislabeled or deceptive file names
- Shared devices with multiple users
A qualified defense attorney can evaluate whether any of these issues apply to your case.
9. Follow Every Instruction From Your Attorney
Once you are represented, your attorney may advise you to:
- Avoid contact with investigators
- Avoid certain devices or online platforms
- Gather documents showing who uses your home electronics
- Provide information about the timeline of events
- Attend all court appearances
- Avoid speaking with potential witnesses
Following this guidance protects your case and prevents accidental mistakes.
Call Maronick Law if You Have Been Charged With Possession of Child Pornography in Maryland
Facing a child pornography charge can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Maronick Law understands the complexity of digital investigations and knows how to challenge the evidence effectively. The firm will examine the circumstances of your case, protect your constitutional rights, and build a strategic defense focused on your future.
Contact Maronick Law today for a free and confidential consultation so you can take the first step toward protecting yourself and understanding your legal options. We represent clients in Towson, Taneytown, Rockville, Ocean City, Baltimore, and throughout Maryland.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.