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Revenge Porn Charges 2024 Sex crimes, Sex Offenses

Revenge Porn Charges 2024

4 weeks ago by Justin M. Schiks
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In today’s digital world, the rise of social media and the ease of online sharing have led to new challenges in maintaining confidentiality. Among them is the growing issue of “revenge porn,” which refers to the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, often by a former partner or someone looking to harm the victim. This is not only a serious invasion of privacy but also an act with severe emotional, psychological, and social consequences. As a result, many states have enacted statutes to criminalize this behavior and protect victims.

State Revenge Porn Laws in Minnesota

JS Defense, a criminal law firm based in Woodbury, MN, is here to provide expert legal representation to anyone accused of these allegations, ensuring that your rights are protected and your side of the story is heard. If you or a loved one is involved in such a case, understanding Minnesota’s regulations on intimate image abuse is crucial.

What Is Revenge Porn?

It involves sharing or distributing private, sexual images or videos of someone without their consent, usually with the intent to cause harm, embarrassment, or distress. While this might stem from personal conflicts, often in the aftermath of a relationship, the consequences can extend far beyond the individuals involved.

Victims often endure profound psychological hardship and face long-term damage to their reputations. Once the contents are shared widely online or in private forums, it becomes nearly impossible to control their spread once uploaded.

The term “revenge porn” covers various situations, including:

  • Ex-partners seek vengeance by publishing or sending the material.
  • Hackers or third parties sharing stolen media for profit or harassment.
  • Extortion cases where perpetrators threaten to release the visuals unless they are paid or given something in return.

Regardless of the intent, the side effects for victims can be devastating, and the legal repercussions for perpetrators can be severe.

How Many States Have Revenge Porn Laws?

With the rise of these cases, states across the U.S. have responded swiftly to criminalize the practice. As of 2024, 48 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory have enacted regulations aimed at curbing the unauthorized sharing of personal photos. While each state’s legislation may differ in language, penalties, and scope, it all shares a common goal: protecting individuals from the violation of privacy.

For instance, California was among the first to introduce a decree that can lead to up to six months in jail for first-time offenders. Other areas, such as Texas, have followed suit with similarly harsh consequences. You can learn more about these state-by-state laws provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

While some states focus on criminal penalties, others provide avenues for civil prosecution, allowing victims to seek compensation for damages. In Minnesota, specific legislation has been implemented to address this growing issue. Wheter you are facing accusations or are the victim, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for this complex situation.

Prohibited Actions

Revenge porn, by its very nature, involves several unlawful actions, most of which revolve around the unauthorized propagation of personal content. In most states, the following actions are prohibited:

  1. Sharing private images or videos: It is illegal to share or post intimate content without the individual’s permission, whether via social media, text, or any other platform.
  2. Dissemination with harmful intent: If the media is spread to humiliate, threaten, or harm the victim, it intensifies and aggravates the offense.
  3. Public and private distribution: Whether posted publicly online or in private forums or groups, it can still lead to criminal charges.
  4. Attempting to blackmail or extort: Using them to manipulate a victim for money, favors, or other demands, is strictly prohibited and can result in further allegations.

Even if the images or videos were initially shared consensually, it does not give the individual the right to continue distributing them after the relationship ends. This is where the state’s privacy invasion statutes come into play.

State Revenge Porn Laws

With the advent of technology and the increasing number of these cases, nearly every region has developed legal mandates to address this issue. Below is a summary of how various states handle the dissemination of intimate images:

State Statute(s) Actions Prohibited Possible Penalties
Alabama Alabama Code, Section 13A-6-240 Knowingly sharing or distributing private images of another person without their consent, where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. First offense: Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail. Subsequent offenses: Class C felony, with up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Alaska Alaska Statutes, Section 11.61.120 Intentionally distributing private images of a person to annoy or harass, depicting the person’s intimate body parts. Classified as a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 90 days in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.
Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 13-1425 Deliberately sharing private, explicit images of a recognizable individual without their consent, with the intent to harass or harm them. Class 5 felony, or Class 4 felony if distributed electronically, with potential sentences including 2.5 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, and sex offender registration. If only a threat to disclose, it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Arkansas Arkansas Code, Section 5-26-314 Divulging images of sexual activity or nudity of a family member, household member, or someone from a past or current relationship to harass or intimidate them. Class A misdemeanor, which could lead to up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
California California Penal Code, Section 647(j)(4) Sharing intimate images or videos of another person without their consent, with the intention of causing emotional harm. A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Colorado Colorado Revised Statute, Section 18-7-107, 108 Providing explicit images of an adult without consent, with the intent to cause emotional distress for financial gain or harassment. Class 1 misdemeanor, with a potential sentence of up to 18 months in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes, Section 53a-189c Consciously sharing private, intimate images of another person without their consent, resulting in harm to the individual. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. If disseminated to multiple persons through electronic means, the offense becomes a Class D felony, with up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Delaware Delaware Code Title 11, Section 1335 Awerely distributing explicit images of someone else without their consent, where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,300 fine. Aggravated cases are Class G felonies, which can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
District of Columbia DC Code, Section 22-2051 et. seq Spreading sexually explicit images of another person without their consent, with the intent to harm or for financial gain. Misdemeanor: A fine of up to $1,000 and/or 180 days in jail. Felony (for wider distribution): A fine of up to $12,500 and up to 3 years in prison.
Florida Florida Statutes, Section 784.049(3) Publishing explicit images of another person, along with their personal information, without consent and with the intent to cause emotional distress. First-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, or both. Subsequent offenses are third-degree felonies, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Georgia Georgia Code, Section 16-11-90 Distributing explicit images of another person, without consent, for harassment or financial harm. Aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, $1,000 fine, or both. Subsequent offenses may result in felony charges, with 1 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 711-1110.9 Sharing sexually explicit images of another person without consent, with intent to harm, or as an act of revenge. Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both. Courts can also order the destruction of the images.
Idaho Idaho Code, Section 18-6605(a)-(c) Intentionally distributing or selling private images of another person, with the intent to harass or annoy, knowing that the person did not consent. Felony, with potential penalties of up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $50,000, or both.
Illinois Illinois Criminal Code, Chapter 720 § 11-23.5 and Chapter 740 § 190/25 Knowingly distributing sexually explicit images of another person without consent, when the person is identifiable and has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Class 4 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000. Victims may also seek economic and punitive damages through civil remedies.
Indiana Indiana Criminal Code, Section 35-45-4-8 Distributing intimate images of another person without their consent. First offense: Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Subsequent offenses: Level 6 felony, punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years in prison, with fines of up to $10,000.
Iowa Iowa Code, Section 708.7 (1)(a)(5) Sharing sexually explicit images of another person without their consent, with the intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm them. Aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in jail and fines of up to $8,540. Sex offender registration is also a possibility.
Kansas Kansas Statutes, Section 21-6101(a)(8) Knowingly sharing explicit images of another person without consent, where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm them. First offense: Severity Level 8 Personal Felony, with sentences ranging from 7 to 23 months in prison and fines up to $100,000. Second offense: Severity Level 5 Personal Felony, punishable by 31 to 136 months in prison and fines up to $300,000.
Kentucky Kentucky Statutes, Section 531.120 Distributing explicit images of another person without written consent, with the intent to harm, harass, or gain financially. First offense: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $500. Subsequent offenses: Class D felony, with penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Louisiana Louisiana Revised Statutes, Section 14:283.2 Distributing private images of another person, knowing the person did not consent, with intent to cause emotional distress or harassment. Punishable by up to 2 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both.
Maine Maine Criminal Code, 17A MRSA Section 511-A Intentionally sharing or publishing private images of another person without their consent, with intent to harass, torment, or threaten them. Class D crime, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,000, or both.
Maryland Maryland Criminal Law Code, Section 3-809 Distributing explicit images of another person without their consent, with the intent to harm, harass, or intimidate them. Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in jail, fines of up to $5,000, or both.
Massachusetts None No specific law addressing nonconsensual sharing of intimate images (revenge porn) in the state of Massachusetts. Not applicable.
Michigan Michigan Codified Laws, Section 750.145e Distributing explicit visual material of another person, with intent to coerce, threaten, or intimidate, knowing the person did not consent. Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail or fines of up to $500. For second or subsequent offenses, the penalty increases to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Minnesota Minnesota Statutes, Section 617.261 Intentionally sharing sexually explicit images of another person, knowing they did not consent, with intent to cause harm or financial loss. Gross misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $3,000. Under aggravating circumstances, it becomes a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Civil penalties include damages of up to $10,000, plus court and attorney fees.
Mississippi Mississippi Code Annotated, Section 97-29-64.1 Disclosing intimate images of another person without consent, with intent to cause harm, knowing the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy First offense: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Second offense: Felony, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $2,000. For financial gain, it is a felony, with penalties of up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $2,000.
Missouri Revised Statues of Missouri, Section 573.110 & 573.112 Sharing explicit images of another person without their consent, with intent to harass or coerce them. Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Threats to disclose private images are classified as Class E felonies. Victims can also pursue civil claims for damages, with a potential recovery of $10,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater.
Montana Montana Code Annotated, Section 45-8-213 (1)(d) Sharing or distributing intimate images of another person without their consent, with the intent to harass, threaten, or harm. First offense: Misdemeanor, with penalties including a fine of up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail. Second offense: Fine of up to $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Third or subsequent offenses: Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Nebraska Nebraska Revised Statutes, Section 28-311.08, Section 25-3503 Knowingly distributing images of another person’s intimate parts or sexually explicit content without their consent, with intent to harm or harass. First offense: Class I misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. Subsequent offenses: Class IV felony, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Victims may also pursue civil remedies, including damages and recovery of attorney fees.
Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes, Section 200-780 Distributing intimate images electronically, without consent, to harass or harm another person. Class D felony, punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison and fines up to $5,000, or both.
New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes, Section 644:9-a Knowingly distributing private sexual images without consent, with intent to harass, threaten, or intimidate another person. Class B felony, with penalties including 1 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $4,000.
New Jersey
New Jersey Code, Section 2C:14-9 Sharing private sexual images without consent, when the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to harm, intimidate, or harass them. Third-degree crime, punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
New Mexico New Mexico Statutes, Section 30-37A-1 Distributing private or sensitive images without consent, with the intent to humiliate, intimidate, or cause emotional distress. First offense: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000. Second offense: Fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
New York Consolidated Laws of New York, Section 245.15 Sharing explicit images of another person without their consent, with intent to harm their emotional, financial, or physical well-being. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
North Carolina General Statutes, Section 14-190.5A Sharing private sexual images of another person without their consent, with intent to harass, intimidate, or cause financial harm. Class H felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison, along with potential fines. Victims can also pursue civil claims for punitive damages.
North Dakota North Dakota Century Code, Section 12.1-17-07.2 Knowingly distributing intimate images of a person aged 18 or older without consent, causing emotional harm. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail, fines up to $3,000, or both.
Ohio Ohio Revised Code, Section 2917.211(B) Distributing sexual images of a person 18 years or older without their consent, with the intent to cause harm. First offense: Third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Second offense: Second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $750. Subsequent offenses: First-degree misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1040.13b Distributing private sexual images without consent, with the intent to harass, intimidate, or coerce. Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If done for financial gain, it is considered a felony with a potential sentence of up to 4 years in prison. A second felony offense can lead to up to 10 years in prison and may require sex offender registration.
Oregon Oregon Revised Statutes, Section 163.472 Knowingly sharing intimate images of another person without their consent, with intent to harm, harass, or humiliate them. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $6,250, or both. For subsequent offenses: Class C felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $125,000.
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 Section 3131 Sharing intimate images of a former or current sexual partner without their consent, with intent to harass, alarm, or annoy them. If the victim is an adult (18+): Second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $5,000. If the victim is a minor (under 18): First-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 5 years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws, Section 11-64-3 Knowingly sharing or selling private images of another adult without their consent, with intent to harm, threaten, or intimidate. First offense: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Second or subsequent offense: Felony, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison and fines up to $3,000. If done for financial gain: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
South Carolina None No specific laws addressing the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (revenge porn). Not applicable.
South Dakota South Dakota Statutes, Section 22-21-4 Using a device to capture images or videos of another person who is nude or engaged in sexual activity, and then sharing or distributing the images without consent. Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000. If the victim is under 18, it is classified as a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
Tennessee Tennessee Code, Section 39-17-318 Distributing intimate images of another person, without consent, with the intent to cause emotional distress. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Texas Texas Penal Code, Section 21.16 Intentionally disclosing intimate visual material without the consent of the depicted person, with the intent to harm, humiliate, or threaten. State jail felony, with penalties including 180 days to 2 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
Utah Utah Criminal Code, Section 76-5b-203 Knowingly distributing or copying intimate images of another person without their consent, knowing the distribution would cause emotional harm or distress. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $2,500. For second or subsequent offenses: Third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Vermont Vermont Statutes, 13 V.S.A. Section 2606 Sharing sexually explicit images without the consent of the depicted person, with the intent to harm or harass. Punishable by up to 2 years in jail and/or fines of up to $2,000. If distributed for financial gain, penalties increase to up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Victims may pursue civil action for damages.
Virginia Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-386.2 Distributing or selling images of another person without their consent, with the intent to harass, coerce, or intimidate, where the person is nude or engaged in sexual activity. Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Washington Washington Revised Code, Section 9A.86.010 Sharing intimate images of another person, without consent, where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. First offense: Gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000. For subsequent offenses: Class C felony, with penalties including up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
West Virginia Code of West Virginia, Section 61-8-28a Intentionally sharing private intimate images of another person without their consent, with the intent to harass, humiliate, or intimidate. First offense: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines of $1,000 to $5,000. Second offense: Felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and fines of $2,500 to $10,000.
Wisconsin Code of Wisconsin, Section 942.09 Posting or publishing sexually explicit images of another person without their consent, where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and/or fines of up to $10,000. If the victim is under 18, it becomes a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3 years and 6 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Wyoming Wyoming Statutes, Section 6-4-306 Sharing intimate images of another person without their consent, knowing that the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to harm, humiliate, or threaten. Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

 

This table outlines the penalties associated with breaching state statutes on intimate image abuse. The consequences can vary based on the gravity of the offense and the extent of harm inflicted on the victim. For more in-depth information, additional academic resources are available.

Does Minnesota Have a Law Against Revenge Porn?

Yes, it has established specific legislation targeting non-consensual pornography. Minnesota Statute 617.261, enacted in 2016, establishes the legal consequences for the unauthorized dissemination of private sexual media. This would criminalize the distribution of the content if the subject had a reasonable expectation of privacy and the perpetrator intended to cause harm or distress.

Under this statute, individuals may face significant criminal sanctions if they are found guilty; they can include:

  • Misdemeanor charges: In less severe cases, offenders may face this accusation, which can result in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
  • Gross misdemeanor charges: For more serious offenses, the perpetrator can be charged with this type of complaint, which carries penalties of up to one year in jail.
  • Felony charges: In particularly challenging situations, when the victim endures severe emotional or reputational harm, especially if the individual responsible has a prior criminal history, they may face prosecution with the possibility of up to five years in prison.

For a detailed view of the statute and its definitions, you can consult the full text of Minnesota Statute 617.261.

Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images in Minnesota

Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a crime taken very seriously, with specific juridical protection in place for victims. The statute requires that the circulation be intentional and without the subject’s consent, and it focuses heavily on the expectation of privacy.

For an act to be classified as sexual harassment in the state, the following criteria must be met:

  • Intentional sharing: The perpetrator must have intentionally shared the content, knowing they did not have the subject’s consent.
  • Expectation of privacy: The victim must have had a reasonable expectation that the images or videos would remain private. This implies that even if it was initially shared consensually, further distribution can be illegal if done without permission.
  • Harmful consequences: The act often involves intent to cause harm, whether emotional or reputational, which is a critical component of the transgression.

Victims in the area have the right to pursue both criminal charges and civil litigation for damages caused by such offenses. Given the complexities involved in these cases, working with a qualified lawyer is crucial for navigating the legal process and securing appropriate relief.

Speak With a Minnesota Revenge Porn Lawyer Today

Whether you’re facing charges related to revenge porn or you’re seeking justice as a victim, it’s vital to work with an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of Minnesota’s laws. At JS Defense, we have a proven track record of defending clients against criminal charges and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Based in Woodbury, MN, we are well-equipped to handle even the most intricate cases. If you need legal assistance, don’t wait—contact JS Defense today at +1 952-295-4167 for a consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your future and securing the justice you deserve.


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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Justin M. Schiks who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.

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