Chester County Revenge Porn Lawyer
When a couple goes through a nasty break-up or falling out, one person may feel the need to get revenge on the other. This can be done by posting or distributing naked photos or videos of a past or current partner on social media sites or via texting.
This is usually done out of anger to make the other person feel embarrassed or ashamed for ending a relationship. While it may seem like a harmless joke, you could spend time behind bars if you are convicted of revenge porn.
Chester County, PA Lawyer for Revenge Porn
If you are being investigated for revenge porn in Chester County, PA, you will need the guidance of an experienced defense attorney. The crime is relatively new, but Ciccarelli Law Offices Chester County attorneys are well versed in defending revenge porn in court.
The risk of going about this alone outweighs the cost of hiring an attorney. Ciccarelli Law Offices will listen to your story, and find the best legal options available for your situation. Our attorneys will do whatever is necessary to ensure the best possible result is achieved for your case.
Let Ciccarelli Law Offices guide you through this complicated legal process. To schedule a free case consultation, call [phone] or submit your information in the online contact form.
We proudly represent clients in counties that include Chester County, Lancaster County, Delaware County, Philadelphia County and Montgomery County.
Information Center
- What is Revenge Porn?
- How is Revenge Porn Charged in PA?
- Revenge Porn v. Invasion of Privacy
- Additional Resources
What is Revenge Porn?
According to a study from the Data & Society Research Institute, nearly 10 millions Americans have been the victim of revenge porn. Revenge porn, legally known as unlawful dissemination of intimate image, is the distribution of intimate photos or videos as a way to get back at someone.
The law is relatively new, and it’s listed under section 3131 of the Pennsylvania Statutes as:
- Unlawful dissemination of intimate images, that depicts a past or current sexual or intimate partner in a state of nudity or engaging in sexual conduct with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm.
If you are found guilty of revenge porn, the person in the photos or videos has the right to file a civil cause of action against you. The victim is not the only person who can bring you to court. Their guardian can as well.
When the court is deciding how to award damages, they will consider the long-term or permanent effects of having naked photos or video clips distributed without consent. The Pennsylvania courts can grant a victim of revenge porn the following damages:
- Actual damage cost resulting from the incident, $500 or whichever is greater.
- Attorney fees and court cost
- An additional relief the court deems necessary
How is Revenge Porn Charged in PA?
The age of the individual in the visuals will determine how the crime is charged. Under current law, sharing intimate videos or photos of a past or present partner who is older than 18 is a second-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face the following penalties:
- No more than two years behind bars
- A fine that can cost up to $5,000
If you are a minor and you publish or distribute intimate photos of another minor, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by the following:
- No more than five years behind bars
- A fine that can cost up to $10,000
To be charged with revenge porn, the person in the photo or video is required to have been an intimate partner at some point. If you found explicit images of a stranger and distributed them, you can’t be charged with revenge porn.
If you are over 18 and you publish or distribute intimate visuals of a minor, child pornography laws will come into play. You could be charged with dissemination of photographs and films. This crime is a third-degree felony that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
Revenge Porn v. Invasion of Privacy
Invasion of privacy and revenge porn are two crimes that are very similar to one another. If you weren’t aware that Pennsylvania had a statute for revenge porn, you might have thought you would be charged with invasion of privacy.
There is one significant difference between the two crimes. Under the statute for revenge porn, the distributed photo or video was taken or provided with the consent of the individual depicted in the images. The person just never consented to the distribution.
Invasion of privacy, on the other hand, is a more egregious crime. According to section 7507 of the Pennsylvania Statutes, these images are taken without the victim’s knowledge or consent while they are in full or partial nudity.
Additional Resources for Revenge Porn in Chester County, PA
Revenge Porn | Pennsylvania Statutes– Follow this link to read the full text of the statute that governs revenge porn in the state. You can read the precise legal definition of the crime, how it’s penalized and defenses. The law can be read on the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.
Damages in Revenge Porn Cases | Pennsylvania Statutes– Visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website to learn how damages are awarded in revenge porn cases. You can read the cause of action, when the statute is not applicable and how much can be awarded.
Chester County, PA Revenge Porn Lawyer
By visiting this page, you already understand the seriousness of the charges against you. Take the first step in building your defense, and contact Ciccarelli Law Offices today. The sooner you gain legal representation, the sooner we can start building a solid defense for your case.
Schedule a free case consultation with Ciccarelli Law Offices. Submit your information in the online contact form. We proudly defend clients in Coatesville, Springfield, King of Prussia, Hatfield and many more.