New York Revenge Porn Lawyers

Take Legal Action Against Your Abuser

Revenge porn, also known as nonconsensual pornography, is both a personal violation and a legal offense taken very seriously in New York. Revenge porn involves sharing intimate images or videos of another person without consent (often by a former lover) with the intent to harm. 

New York law offers the victims of revenge porn and other forms of sexual abuse both criminal and civil remedies to try to set things right. Navigating these complex legal pathways is highly complicated and time-consuming, so you should only explore your options with the help of Horn Wright, LLP and our sexual abuse attorneys. Let us be your legal guides during this difficult time, so you can confidently seek justice after enduring such a severe violation of your privacy and well-being.

We offer confidential and free case evaluations. To schedule one with our attorneys, dial (855) 465-4622.

What is Revenge Porn in New York?

Revenge porn, or nonconsensual pornography as it’s officially known, refers to the sharing or distribution of intimate images or videos of an individual without their consent. The images typically involve nudity or sexual activities originally intended to be private. The perpetrator of revenge porn is usually an angry or vindictive former partner with the intent to humiliate, harass, or intimidate the person depicted in the images. In recent years, revenge porn offenders often turn to social media to post private sexual images online where millions of people can access them almost immediately.

Types of Revenge Porn in New York

Revenge porn can take many forms, all involving the unauthorized sharing of intimate content, such as:

• Intimate images and videos: The most common form of revenge porn involves sharing intimate images or videos online or sent to third parties without permission.
• Deepfake porn: Using technology to superimpose someone's likeness onto sexually explicit materials without their consent, perpetrators generate deepfake porn. With new AI-assisted tools, deepfakes can be incredibly damaging because they often appear so realistic.
• Sextortion: Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to release intimate images unless they are paid off or given something of value. In some cases, it involves tricking the victim into creating new content under false pretenses.

Types of Damages in New York Revenge Porn Cases

The impact of revenge porn on victims can be severe and long-lasting. Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression are commonly suffered by people who were targeted by revenge porn.

Other consequences suffered by revenge porn victims include:

• Reputation damage: When intimate pictures are spread without consent, the victim's reputation can be irrevocably damaged, affecting personal relationships and professional opportunities.
• Career and educational opportunities: Some victims have faced job loss or have been blocked from potential employment opportunities due to the exposure of intimate images, especially if they work in industries related to minors.
• Safety concerns: Many revenge porn victims experience threats to their personal safety, including stalking and harassment.
• Social stigma: Revenge porn victims might face judgment from friends, family, and even strangers if they work in the public eye, which leads to social isolation and a lingering sense of fear.

What New York Criminal Laws Are There for Revenge Porn?

In 2019, New York passed its Revenge Porn Law, formally addressing the unlawful dissemination and publication of intimate images. This law criminalizes the intentional distribution of such images to cause harm.

Under Penal Law Section 245.15, also known as the Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image, offenders can face charges that lead to a class A misdemeanor. A convicted offender could be subject to up to one year in jail. Recent amendments have also included penalties for distributing or creating deepfake pornography.

What New York Civil Laws Are There for Revenge Porn?

New York also provides victims the right to file civil lawsuits against the perpetrators of revenge porn. Through Civil Rights Law Section 52-b, victims can ask for injunctive relief, which prevents further dissemination, and seek damages, including compensatory and punitive.

Victims can proceed anonymously to protect their privacy during these legal battles, too. This aspect of the law is important because it prevents further victimization during legal proceedings. Courts may order the removal of intimate images from websites, although certain restrictions apply concerning jurisdiction and the digital platforms involved.

How to Preserve Evidence in New York Revenge Porn Cases

Successfully pursuing a revenge porn case often hinges on the ability to preserve and present crucial evidence. Our New York revenge porn attorneys can help you understand what to do if you have not yet preserved the evidence that your case will need.

If you’re a victim of revenge porn, you should follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Take screenshots: Capture the evidence of the images or videos wherever they appear. Include URLs and timestamps.
• Save communications: Any messages or correspondence that discuss or threaten the dissemination of private content should be securely saved, including emails, texts, and social media messages.
• Document the impact: Keep a journal that details the emotional and social impacts you have suffered, which can be useful in civil cases for demonstrating distress and other damages.
• Consult legal aid: Obtain the legal counsel of our New York revenge porn attorneys. We can help with evidence collection and preservation, such as using web archiving services for proof of dissemination.

What Does a New York Revenge Porn Lawyer Do?

Hiring a lawyer that has experience and a focus on revenge porn cases can help you make sense of your revenge porn case with less stress and effort. Our New York revenge porn lawyers from Horn Wright, LLP have a thorough understanding of both the criminal and civil laws in New York for revenge porn: the Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image under Penal Law Section 245.15 and Civil Rights Law Section 52-b. With our knowledge and know-how, we can prepare your case to pursue fair compensation, justice, and a sense of closure.

When working on your revenge porn lawsuit, our attorneys can help with:

• Evidence collection and preservation: One of the critical steps is gathering and preserving evidence that proves revenge porn happened. Evidence that could help with your case might include screenshots, URLs of shared content, and any communication indicating threats or the sharing of intimate content.
• Pursuing civil and criminal actions: While revenge porn is considered a criminal act under New York law, we can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator even if that person is never arrested, charged, or convicted of the crime.
• Anonymous proceedings: In many cases, we can file motions to allow our clients to proceed using just their initials, an alias, or as “anonymous,” which helps shield their identity from unnecessary public exposure.

Demand the Justice You Deserve – Call Now

With a single phone call to Horn Wright, LLP, you can speak with a lawyer who has the experience and resources needed to handle your New York revenge porn case with professionalism, respect, and tenacity. We are proud to be recognized across the state for our championing the rights of victims of sexual abuse in all its forms. Tell us your story today, so we can tell you how we can start to fight for your rights.

Call (855) 465-4622 and ask for a confidential, no-cost case consultation.