Child Pornography Defense Lawyer in Baltimore

Facing Digital Evidence? Put More Than 40 Years of Trial Experience to Work

A child pornography case may begin with an interview request, search warrant, device seizure, arrest, or formal charge. Before answering investigators’ questions, consenting to a search, or discussing the allegations with anyone else, get legal guidance based on the status of your case.

We represent people facing sex crime and internet crime allegations. These cases often combine Maryland criminal law with account records, digital devices, online activity, and the possibility of state or federal prosecution.

Call (410) 834-8466 to arrange a free consultation with our criminal defense attorneys before speaking with investigators about the allegations.

How Maryland Law Distinguishes These Charges

Child sexual abuse material, often called CSAM, depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child. Maryland law distinguishes conduct involving production or distribution from knowing possession and intentional retention. The prosecution must prove every element of the specific charge.

Two Maryland statutes commonly involved in these cases are:

• Maryland Criminal Law § 11-207: This statute addresses conduct that may include causing or allowing production, photographing or filming, computer-related depictions, promotion, advertising, solicitation, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute prohibited material involving a minor.
• Maryland Criminal Law § 11-208: This statute addresses knowingly possessing and intentionally retaining a prohibited visual representation of an actual child under 16.

The analysis may depend on what the material allegedly depicts, how it reached a device or account, whether it was accessed or retained, and whether someone else could use the same device. Allegations involving possession, distribution, production, and solicitation require distinct legal and factual inquiries.

Potential Penalties & Collateral Consequences

A first violation of Maryland Criminal Law § 11-207 is a felony punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $25,000. A first violation of Maryland Criminal Law § 11-208 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,500. A prior conviction under the applicable statute can increase the potential penalties.

Any sentence depends on the charge, criminal history, evidence, and law applicable to the case. Depending on the offense and outcome, the consequences may also include sex-offender registration issues and effects on employment, housing, professional licensing, immigration status, family relationships, and access to technology. Because statutes and registration requirements can change, legal advice must account for the law in effect when the case is reviewed.

When State & Federal Investigations Overlap

A digital investigation may lead to Maryland state charges, federal charges, or involvement by both state and federal agencies. Federal jurisdiction may become relevant when allegations involve interstate communications, online distribution, federal investigators, or networks that cross state or national borders.

Federal cases apply different statutes, procedures, and sentencing rules. We handled the first federal sentencing guidelines case in the District of Maryland, and we have experience with the framework federal courts use to calculate advisory sentencing ranges.

What We Examine in the Digital Evidence

Digital evidence doesn’t speak for itself. We build the defense around the facts, the prosecution’s required proof, and the client’s goals rather than treating the presence of a file as the end of the analysis.

Our review may address questions such as:

• Search authority: Did investigators have a valid warrant, and did the search remain within its authorized scope?
• Device access: Who used the phone, computer, storage device, network, or online account?
• File history: How was a file created, downloaded, stored, copied, opened, or shared?
• Automated activity: Did software, syncing, caching, or another process place data on the device?
• Knowledge and intent: Can the prosecution prove knowing possession, intentional retention, distribution, or another required mental state beyond a reasonable doubt?
• Chain of custody: How did investigators collect, preserve, transfer, and examine the device or account data?

Don’t delete, alter, transmit, copy, or conceal potential evidence after learning of an investigation. Preserve notices and charging documents, but don’t reproduce or forward suspected illegal material when contacting counsel.

Criminal Defense Grounded in Detailed Preparation

T. Wray McCurdy is a former Assistant State Attorney for Baltimore County. We bring more than 40 years of criminal trial experience to each case, anticipating procedural and evidentiary issues and adjusting our strategy as the facts develop.

Mr. McCurdy has represented more than 22,000 individuals, and our firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Throughout the defense process, we provide responsive communication and practical guidance about immediate restrictions, court obligations, and upcoming decisions.

Get Clear Next Steps Before You Respond

A free consultation can clarify whether you’re under investigation, have been arrested or charged, or need to respond to a court notice. Bring any available warrants, charging papers, property receipts, release conditions, and hearing notices. We can review deadlines, device-related concerns, evidence-preservation obligations, and questions you shouldn’t answer without counsel.

Whether an investigation has just surfaced or charges have already been filed, we provide detailed preparation and informed guidance for the decisions ahead.

Call (410) 834-8466 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. about an investigation or charge in Baltimore County.