Intimacy in modern relationships includes sending illicit messages and sexual photos and videos to one another. But when a romance goes south, it is not uncommon nowadays for one scornful ex-lover to share those intimate images and messages to loved ones, employers and coworkers, or even the public.
This type of activity is known as “revenge porn” or nonconsensual pornography (NCP), which is defined as distributing or posting “private sexual” images, videos, or any other type of recording on the internet against the person’s consent in order to disturb or harass that individual. A private sexual image is any recording or depiction of a person performing a sexual act or whose private parts are partially or completely exposed.
The person in the image or recording must be identifiable, or there needs to be identifying information displayed or posted with the image. Identifying information includes full name, online username, e-mail address, physical address, phone number, and other types of personal information.
Many states have recently enacted criminal laws that specifically address revenge porn, while others have yet to do so (but charge such actions according to the other laws). In 2015, Illinois became one of those states which have criminalized revenge porn.
In Illinois, revenge porn is a Class 4 felony, punishable by a maximum three- year prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000. Additionally, the alleged victim may also file a civil lawsuit against the defendant for monetary damages.
If you or a loved one has been accused of disseminating nonconsensual pornography or any other sex crime in Chicago, contact the Law Office of Steven Fine today at (312) 436-0638 and schedule a free consultation. Get more than years of trial-tested experience on your side.
