Annapolis, MD Military Child Pornography Charges Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Military Members Charged With Child Pornography Offenses in Annapolis, Maryland

Accusations of possessing or distributing child pornography are among the most serious legal concerns that may affect a member of the United States military. The military justice system can impose multiple types of severe penalties for those who are convicted of child pornography offenses. A person's career in the military, their civilian life, their reputation, and their freedom could be affected, even if they are never convicted.

The Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP provides effective legal representation in military criminal defense cases. Our attorneys have experience representing servicemembers who have been accused of serious criminal offenses. We work to protect our clients' rights and ensure that they are treated fairly in military investigations and legal proceedings.

When Can a Servicemember Be Charged With a Child Pornography Offense?

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), child pornography offenses are prosecuted under Article 134, which addresses conduct that may affect order and discipline in the armed forces or offenses that may bring discredit upon the military. Servicemembers who are accused of committing these types of offenses may face discharge or criminal penalties. Charges related to child pornography may involve allegations such as:

• Possession of images or videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct
• Distribution or sharing illegal materials via electronic devices, social media, or file-sharing networks.
• Production or solicitation of illicit images, including attempts to coerce or exploit minors.
• Downloading from or uploading to websites or platforms known to host unlawful content.

These charges can arise based on internal reports, random device inspections, or digital forensic investigations conducted by military law enforcement agencies such as NCIS, CID, or OSI. Federal agencies may also become involved, especially if the offense crosses jurisdictional lines or involves civilian victims.

Legal Issues in Military Child Pornography Investigations and Courts-Martial

Military child pornography cases often involve complex digital evidence. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our defense attorneys can review the procedures followed during investigations to address any violations of our clients' rights. We can address issues such as:

• Search and Seizure Violations: Did investigators obtain proper authorization to search digital devices? Were warrants supported by probable cause?
• Possession vs. Access: Was the accused actively accessing and storing illicit content, or could temporary internet files have been saved on a device that was used by someone else?
• Chain of Custody: Were digital materials handled in a manner that ensured their authenticity?
• Intent and Knowledge: Did the service member knowingly possess or distribute unlawful images, or were they inadvertently downloaded or received?
• Device Sharing: Was the accused the only person with access to the electronic device in question?

Military investigators may use forensic software to examine computers, smartphones, and cloud storage. However, these programs can sometimes yield incomplete or misleading results. Our attorneys may be able to challenge the reliability of forensic tools, and we may work with independent experts and take steps to demonstrate that our client did not have knowledge or control over the materials.

Penalties for Child Pornography Offenses in the Military

A conviction for a child pornography offense can lead to severe criminal penalties and other consequences. These may include:

• Court-Martial Sentences: A general court-martial may result in several years or even decades of confinement, depending on the severity of the allegations.
• Sex Offender Registration: Convicted service members may be required to register as sex offenders, which will limit where they can live and work.
• Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge: A conviction is likely to lead to a punitive discharge that will prevent a former servicemember from receiving retirement benefits and veterans' services.
• Permanent Criminal Record: After their discharge from the military, the servicemember will have a criminal record that could limit their opportunities or affect other criminal proceedings.

Contact Our Annapolis Military Child Pornography Defense Lawyers

Being accused of a child pornography offense can affect a member of the military in many ways. Servicemembers have the right to legal representation, and an experienced attorney can help them determine their best options for defense. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we work to ensure that servicemembers are treated fairly in these situations, and we can provide a strong defense to help minimize the impact of these accusations.

Our lawyers can provide representation during investigations to make sure a person's rights are protected. We can review the evidence to build a defense against child pornography charges. We will provide representation during courts-martial or other proceedings, fighting for a positive outcome that will protect our client's future. Contact us at 410-280-2500 to set up a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can assist with serious criminal charges.