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The Internet, social media platforms, and the other forms of media we all use today have brought many different benefits. Unfortunately, there is also a dark side to these different mediums, including non-consensual explicit content. Revenge porn is just one example of sexual cyber harassment. When certain material is posted online for anyone to see, or threats are made to publish such content, law enforcement takes the matter very seriously. Below, our Monroe sex crimes lawyer explains the law, and can argue your case if you have been accused.
What is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn is essentially a type of non-consensual pornography. It is a criminal offense that combines sexual abuse and cyber harassment. The offense has acquired the nickname ‘revenge porn’ because it is often used to retaliate against or blackmail another person. Offenders publish the material in a public forum, without the consent or sometimes even awareness of the victim. The intention is typically to cause the victim serious harm and embarrassment.
The most common example of revenge porn occurs when two people break up. One person may want to get their partner back and threaten to release pornographic images of them. Or, a bitter ex-partner may publish the material in an effort to humiliate the victim. Even if the images were taken with the consent of the victim, releasing them without the victim’s consent is still against the law.
What is the Law on Revenge Porn in Monroe?
Although the Louisiana Statutes do not specifically include the language ‘revenge porn,’ the law does prohibit the nonconsensual disclosure of a private image. Specifically, it is against the law for anyone to intentionally, knowingly, or willfully share sexually explicit images of another person online without the subject’s permission and with the intention to cause humiliation or harm to the victim. The law defines an image as any film, photograph, videotape, or other portrayal or depiction of an object. Under the law, an object includes the human body.
The law very clearly prohibits sharing explicit images without the consent of the subject of the image. It is also against the law to coerce or threaten someone into taking such images.
Anyone who illegally distributes or shares sexual content will be charged with a third-degree felony. The consequences for those convicted are a maximum of two years in jail, a maximum $10,000 fine, and/or both. The severity of the charges depend on whether a person was accused of distributing or posting revenge porn, or threatening someone to publish such material.
Our Sex Crime Lawyer in Monroe Can Provide the Defense You Need
If you have been charged with distributing revenge porn, our Monroe sex crime lawyer at Whiddon Criminal Defense knows the strategies that can help you retain your freedom. Call us now at 318-594-3592 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our skilled attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
