Sharing intimate pictures and recording private videos has become much more common in recent years. While people have always used photography as a means of capturing intimate moments, the prevalence of cellphones makes such practices more accessible to people.
Many people in romantic relationships share intimate photos or agree to record videos without hesitation. Typically, the people who record videos or receive sexy images from their partners think of those images and videos as their property. However, sharing them with others or posting them online could lead to criminal charges.
Sharing revenge porn is a crime
In many cases, the distribution of intimate images without permission occurs after a relationship ends. People may do that to seek revenge on the other party.
Lawmakers in Minnesota have criminalized non-consensual sharing of private images. “Revenge porn” offenses can be misdemeanors or felonies under West Virginia law.
Defendants accused of a first revenge porn offense could face a misdemeanor that carries between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Additionally, they could face civil liability if the other party files a lawsuit.
A second offense could possibly lead to felony charges that carry as much as three years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Even if the person sharing the images or photographs received them consensually or had permission to make a recording, they could face prosecution when accused of sharing them without the consent of the other party.
Understanding what conduct may technically violate state statutes can help people avoid or more effectively respond to charges related to sex offenses. Revenge porn charges can leave individuals saddled with a criminal record and dealing with the sentence handed down by the courts.
