What do California laws say about revenge porn charges?
Revenge porn involves the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos. The intent is to harm, embarrass or harass the individual depicted.
California considers revenge porn a serious criminal offense. People accused of this charge may face severe civil and criminal consequences for conviction.
State revenge porn laws
California law protects individuals from having private sexual images distributed without their consent. It is illegal to share explicit images or videos of someone else without their permission. This remains true even if the content was originally shared consensually.
Criminal consequences
Convicted individuals may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Factors that influence the severity of charges include:
- The age of the plaintiff
- The nature of the content
- The intent behind sharing it
Misdemeanor charges can lead to imprisonment for up to six months. Felony charges may result in imprisonment for up to three years.
The state requires some individuals convicted of revenge porn to register as sex offenders. This can affect the person’s ability to find housing and employment.
Civil consequences
Individuals who engage in revenge porn may also face civil consequences. People affected by this crime have the right to file civil lawsuits for damages. The court may award monetary compensation for emotional distress, harm to reputation and other damages.
People affected by revenge porn in California can seek restraining orders against the perpetrator. These orders prohibit the distribution of explicit content. They may include provisions to prevent any further contact or harassment.
Data from Statista says that 77% of adults have sent nudes or sexy texts to others. When you receive intimate content, refrain from sharing it with third parties to avoid revenge porn charges.