Towson Revenge Pornography Defense Attorney

Aggressive Legal Defense For Revenge Pornography Charges in Maryland

In the current digital age, when nearly everyone carries smartphones with high-quality cameras, there are many different situations where embarrassing photos or videos may be made available to the public. However, when these types of materials are purposely released with the intent of causing harm to someone, this may be considered a criminal offense. While this may not be as serious as some other offenses that are classified as sex crimes, it may still be treated seriously by law enforcement, and a person may face multiple types of penalties if they are convicted.

Because of the serious nature of these charges, a person who has been accused of offenses related to revenge pornography will need to secure representation from a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with sexual offenses and other related matters. Seger Law, LLC works to protect the rights of defendants in criminal cases while helping them understand their options for defending against a conviction. With our understanding of the applicable laws in Maryland and the methods used by prosecutors in these types of cases, we help our clients take the appropriate steps to resolve these matters and avoid serious penalties that could affect their reputation and their future.

What Is Revenge Pornography?

Revenge pornography, which is also referred to as non-consensual pornography or "revenge porn," involves distributing sexually explicit images or videos of a person without their consent, typically with the intent to cause distress or harm. This act is frequently motivated by a desire for revenge or control, and it may occur after a relationship ends. Even if a person originally consented to the creation of images or videos, they likely did not consent to have these materials released to the public. Maryland law criminalizes this violation of privacy, acknowledging the severe emotional and psychological impact on alleged victims.

Revenge Porn Charges

In Maryland, a person can face criminal charges for revenge pornography if they intentionally distribute or disseminate intimate or explicit visual representations of another person without the person's consent. These forms of pornography may include images or videos depicting a person engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, as well as depictions of nudity in which a person's intimate parts are exposed.

To be considered a crime, an offense must include several key elements:

• The subject is identifiable in the visual materials distributed.
• The photos or videos were originally created or obtained under circumstances where the subject had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
• The person depicted did not consent to the distribution of the materials.
• The distribution causes or intends to cause harm or distress to the subject.

Revenge pornography offenses may involve sharing content online, including on sites dedicated to revenge porn or other types of pornographic websites. Images or videos may also be shared on social media, sent through email or messaging platforms, or distributed through other digital platforms. An offense may also involve the physical distribution of images, such as by printing photos and displaying them in a public location.

The intent to harass, intimate, threaten, or otherwise harm a person is also a key consideration in these cases. A person may be accused of sharing images or videos online with the intent of inflicting emotional distress or even financial harm, such as by causing a person to lose their job. Criminal charges may also be based on sharing or disseminating materials as a form of threats or blackmail, such as by requesting payments from the person depicted before images or videos will be taken down.

In Maryland, revenge pornography is recognized as a significant violation of privacy and dignity. This offense is a misdemeanor, and a person who is convicted may face a prison sentence of up to two years and/or fines of up to $5,000.

Defense Strategies

Defending against revenge pornography charges requires a nuanced understanding of Maryland's laws and a strategic legal approach. A criminal defense attorney can provide essential support and representation, exploring various defense avenues such as:

• Questioning the evidence and whether it conclusively proves the defendant's intent and the act of distribution.
• Examining whether the subject's consent was obtained for the initial creation and subsequent distribution of the content.
• Investigating potential violations of the defendant's rights during the evidence-gathering process.
• Demonstrating that materials were created in a situation where the subject did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Contact Our Towson, MD Revenge Pornography Defense Lawyer

At Seger Law, LLC, we understand the complexities of revenge pornography cases, and we help our clients build robust defense strategies while striving to protect their rights and reputations. To set up a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney, contact us today at 443-208-4692.