Revenge porn is becoming a more prevalent issue. With the rise of the internet, there has become an increase in revenge porn allegations. However, these are felony charges, and anyone accused of this offense faces years in prison and expensive fines. As a student, the consequences can be even more dire, threatening your academic and professional future.
If you are facing these charges, a New Jersey student revenge porn lawyer can help you understand your rights. Understanding the law surrounding these incidents and knowing that you do not have to face them alone is the first step in working to advocate for you. Work with a distinguished student defense attorney that could protect your rights.
What is Revenge Porn?Revenge porn is when a person distributes sexually explicit images of another individual – either in photograph or video form – to cause embarrassment to the individual in the images. Even if the individual depicted consented to taking the photograph or video, it is still illegal to post the photo without explicit consent.
This is an issue that is especially prevalent among students. With the rise in popularity of social media websites, it is easy for intimate photographs or videos to circulate.
New Jersey Law Regarding Revenge PornIn New Jersey distributing pornography without the consent of the individual featured in it is a crime. The state’s law, found in Title 2C of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 14-9, makes revenge porn a felony in third degree depending on the circumstances.
Motive is not required to prove the offense. The offense occurs whenever a person who does not have permission to photograph, film, videotape, record, or otherwise reproduce images that feature intimate parts or sexual activity without the consent of the individual(s) featured in such images does so.
There is some subjectivity in the law, but the state has been rather aggressive at prosecuting these types of crimes and law enforcement take them very seriously. When such activity involves minors, the consequences can be even more severe. If it involves a minor and someone over the age of 18, the person may even have to register as a sex offender.
Potential Consequences for StudentsRevenge porn is a very serious charge in New Jersey. Generally, it is considered a felony. It may result in three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. It may also result in a criminal record that future employers, landlords, schools, and financial institutions can see.
Additionally, a student may face repercussions from their school. Most universities have independent student conduct hearings. Based on these allegations they can suspend or expel a student accused of this offense, which can make it difficult for the accused to finish their education or move past these allegations. A New Jersey student revenge porn lawyer could attempt to mitigate the consequences of a revenge porn offense.
Value of a New Jersey Student Revenge Porn AttorneyA revenge porn offense can follow an individual for the rest of their life. If the person is a student, it may put their academic and professional career in jeopardy as well as their reputation.
If you are facing revenge porn charges, it is important to take these allegations seriously. Contact a dedicated New Jersey student revenge porn lawyer to see how they can help you understand your rights and work with you to protect them.