A relatively new crime is on the books in Denver and Arapahoe County, Colorado. It is called Posting Images for Harassment, and carries the nickname: the Revenge Porn law. Why? Because the law addresses an increasing problem in Colorado where men and women publicize and post a nude or compromising photo of a former lover on-line. Seeking to get back at someone who was once in a loving relationship, the person posts a nude or explicit image of another without their consent. Interestingly, both men and women are accused of Posting a Private Image for Harassment, C.R.S. 18-7-107. Read more about examples of the Revenge Porn law. Here are the details on this new crime.
Posting a Private Image for Harassment – Jefferson County Lawyer’s Definition
Our law on Revenge Porn image posting is still relatively new, and follows similar legislation by thirteen other states who already have or are in the process of passing similar laws. In Jefferson and Summit County (Georgetown, Colorado), it is currently found under Colorado’s C.R.S. 18-7-107. The definition is:
1. An actor who is eighteen years of age or older commits the offense of posting a private image for harassment if he or she posts or distributes through the use of social media or any web site any photograph, video, or other image displaying the private intimate parts of an identified or identifiable person eighteen years of age or older:
I. With the intent to harass the depicted person and inflict serious emotional distress upon the depicted person;
II. (A) Without the depicted person’s consent; or
(B) When the actor knew or should have known that the depicted person had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private; and
III. The conduct results in serious emotional distress of the depicted person.”
A Douglas County Defense Lawyer’s Experience with Revenge Porn – Posting a Private Image for Harassment
In Castle Rock and Douglas County, prosecutors are seeing many more cases of this conduct than before. This occurs because cell phones make it easy to take a “private” picture of another, during a sexual experience. At the time, the lovers know the other will keep it private. During the loving phase of a new relationship, neither party can forecast that their loving encounters will ever come to an end. All is perfect. Once the breakup occurs, feelings of hurt and mistrust are deep, and one side or the other seeks revenge for the way they were treated. This results in Posting a Private Image for Harassment calls to the Douglas County Sheriff or Parker Police.
In some cases, we see the old, or ex wife or girlfriend seeking to attack the man’s new love by posting a picture of the intimate moment. This is done to humiliate the man and his new girlfriend. With sites like Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, links to the intimate photo are quickly made available to all of the new couple’s contacts. This new crime is directly the result of social media and cell phone cameras.
Charged with Posting a Private Image for Harassment – Call Our Adams County Criminal Defense Team
If you posted an explicit picture of a former lover without their permission, you should quickly call the best criminal defense lawyers immediately. Our new revenge porn law can land you in the Adams County Jail. Even though this is a misdemeanor offense, you need to take action and defend the charges. It is hard to find an apartment or obtain a job with a criminal record. Don’t stand alone in front of a judge or jury in the Adams County Court.
If you or a friend have been accused of violating the Posting Images for Harassment law, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers at 303-830-0880, for a free in-office consultation. Together, we can protect your future.