Revenge Porn: A Felony Offense
revenge porn
While technology has brought about ease and comfort, it has also resulted in some of the most challenging scenarios that affect people in this digital age. According to a 2012 Pew Survey, one in four adults has sent or received suggestive sexual content via cell phone.
Currently, “revenge porn” has exceeded the scope of the public periphery and reached into the legislative branches of both federal and state governments.
To combat the problem in Arizona, then Governor, Jan Brewer recently signed into effect a bill that makes “revenge porn” a felony.
What is “Revenge Porn”?
First, it is necessary to understand how “revenge porn” is defined under the law.
The specific language of the bill states:
“[It is] unlawful to intentionally disclose, display, distribute, advertise, or offer a videotape, film, or digital recording of another person in a state of nudity or engaged in specific sexual activities if the person knows or should have known that the depicted person has not consented to the disclosure.”
While the types of activities are somewhat broad, there are a number of exceptions.
Revenge porn does not include distribution as disclosing such content to law enforcement or using the content for lawful medical treatment.
It is also still legal to capture images in public that are within the scope of “voluntary exposure.”
A Felony Offense
Those who are found guilty of revenge porn face severe consequences.
In Arizona, partaking in revenge porn is a class five felony offense.
A class five felony has a presumptive term of two years.
An aggravated term can lead to two years and six months in prison.
Not only do those found guilty face strict sentencing and hefty fines, but the felony conviction can also lead to a number of problems in one’s personal life.
Those who are convicted of a class five felony may face challenges such as difficulty maintaining or seeking employment.
Legal Representation
If you have been accused of violating Arizona’s revenge porn law, then it is important to understand your rights and to have your interests represented by an experienced and high-quality lawyer.
The Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix at Tyler Allen Law Firm are able to answer all of your questions and will to provide you with the quality legal representation that you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an attorney.