Over the past few decades, the technological boom has drastically changed the way we interact with one another, even impacting how we date. With apps and social media becoming a common meeting ground for individuals, exchanging sexually explicit photos has become more common. However, with that, sharing these photos without the consent of the individual in the picture has also increased, becoming illegal. As such, if you are charged with distributing “revenge pornography” in Texas, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about this offense, the penalties you can face, and the importance of working with a Houston sex crimes defense attorney to explore your options.
What Is “Revenge Pornography,” and Is It a Crime?
When someone shares sexually explicit photos of themselves, whether they are “selfies” or photos engaged in sexual activity, they are shared with the assumption that the recipient will keep the photos private. However, this is not always the case, and the recipient may disseminate the photos for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, this is most commonly done to spite a lover after a breakup as a means of punishing them for the perceived wrong they’ve done by ending the relationship.
These photos ending up in the hands of anyone other than the intended recipient can cause significant issues for the subject of the pictures, including reputational damage, impacts on careers, and even fractured relationships with friends and family.
What Penalties Can I Face if Convicted?
In Texas, distributing revenge pornography is officially charged as unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual materials. This law was enacted in 2015 and generally applies to any photos shared without the consent of the sender that are considered sexually explicit or involve sexual acts.
If you are charged with distributing revenge pornography in Texas, it’s imperative to understand the penalties you can face. Typically, this is charged as a state jail felony, which generally carries 180 days to two years in jail and fines of up to $10,000. In addition, this charge will remain on your permanent record.
You should also note that if you are convicted of revenge pornography in Texas, you can face civil lawsuits from the victim, in which you can be ordered to pay not only for the non-economic and economic damages they have suffered but also their court costs and attorneys’ fees.
Revenge porn is not a charge you should take lightly, as the penalties you can incur if convicted can be incredibly serious. As such, it is critical to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney with the Gonzalez Law Group. Our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to guide you through these matters to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our team today.