Are You Facing Revenge Porn Charges in Dallas? Here’s What You Need to Know
Facing charges of revenge porn in Dallas is a distressing and legally complex situation that demands immediate attention and professional legal guidance. In this blog, we are going to define revenge porn, provide examples of types of revenge porn, explain both state and federal laws governing revenge porn, outline possible penalties if convicted, and emphasize why you should contact Gallian Firm, the best revenge porn defense attorneys in Texas, for a free case review and consultation.
provide you details on the ins and outs of the serious potential ramifications of being charged and found guilty of revenge porn, and why it is critical to contact us if you find yourself being charged.
Revenge porn, also known as non-consensual pornography, refers to the “distribution of explicit or intimate images or videos of someone without their consent, typically with the intention of causing harm or humiliation”.
How is Revenge Porn Defined?
Revenge porn is a form of online harassment and cyberbullying that involves the malicious distribution of explicit content, typically by someone who once had a consensual intimate relationship with the victim. Key aspects of revenge porn include:
- Non-Consensual Distribution: Revenge porn involves the dissemination of explicit content without the subject’s consent. This can include intimate images or videos that were originally shared privately.
- Intent to Harm: Perpetrators of revenge porn often do so with the intent to harm, humiliate, or embarrass the victim. Motivations can vary, but revenge, jealousy, or a desire for control are common reasons.
What are Some Types of Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn can take various forms, but they all share the commonality of non-consensual distribution with the intent to harm. Here are some examples:
- Explicit Images or Videos: The most common form of revenge porn involves the distribution of explicit images or videos of the victim, often depicting sexual acts.
- Fake Accounts: Perpetrators may create fake social media accounts or websites to post explicit content along with personal information about the victim.
- Hacked Accounts: Some revenge porn cases involve hackers gaining access to the victim’s accounts, including email or cloud storage, to obtain and distribute intimate content.
- Sextortion: In sextortion cases, the perpetrator threatens to release explicit content unless the victim complies with their demands, such as sending additional explicit material or money.
What are Texas State Laws on Revenge Porn?
Texas has specific laws that address revenge porn under the offense of “unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.” According to Texas Penal Code § 21.16, it is illegal to disclose or promote intimate visual material of someone without their consent with the intent to harm or harass them. Key aspects of the law include:
- Consent Requirement: The victim must not have given consent for the distribution of the material.
- Intent to Harm: The distribution must be accompanied by the intent to harm, defraud, or harass the victim.
- Penalties: A first-time conviction for unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Subsequent convictions can lead to more severe penalties, including felony charges.
What are the Relevant Federal Laws on Revenge Porn?
In addition to state laws, there are federal laws that can come into play in revenge porn cases, particularly when they involve interstate communication or explicit material featuring minors:
- Communications Decency Act: Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides legal protection to online platforms and service providers against liability for user-generated content. However, it does not protect those who upload or distribute revenge porn content.
- Child Pornography Laws: If explicit content includes individuals under the age of 18, it may be subject to federal child pornography laws, which carry severe penalties, including federal prison time.
What are Possible Penalties if I am Convicted of Revenge Porn Charges?
The penalties for revenge porn convictions can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and whether state or federal laws are involved. In Texas, unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material can result in a Class A misdemeanor for a first-time offense, while subsequent convictions can lead to felony charges.
Federal penalties for child pornography or interstate distribution of revenge porn can be much more severe and may include substantial fines and significant prison sentences.
Why Choose Gallian Firm, the Best Revenge Porn Defense Attorneys in Texas
When facing charges of revenge porn in Dallas, it is crucial to seek professional legal representation from experienced defense attorneys. Gallian Firm, recognized as the best revenge porn defense attorneys in Texas, is here to provide you with exceptional legal guidance. Here’s why you should consider contacting us for a free case review and consultation:
Gallian Firm Revenge Porn Defense Attorneys
Gallian Firm defends individuals facing revenge porn charges. Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of both state and federal laws related to revenge porn, allowing us to build strong and effective defense strategies tailored to your unique case. Our successful track record illustrates our commitment to defending our clients facing charges at either state or federal levels.
Contact Gallian Firm for a Free Consultation and The Best Defense Available
If you are facing charges of revenge porn in Dallas, Gallian Firm is here to provide you with dedicated and skilled legal representation to protect your rights and future. We believe everyone has a right to the most aggressive defense possible, and do not judge our clients,–we vigorously defend them!
Contact us today for a free case review and consultation. Your defense begins with Gallian Firm, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and a favorable resolution to your case.
