Revenge porn is a relatively new phenomenon that refers to the practice of distributing sexually explicit photographs or videos without the consent of an individual featured in the images.
Utah has been one of the leading states in criminalizing the distribution of intimate images, otherwise known as revenge porn.
In 2014, Utah passed HB71, which was the first instance of criminalizing revenge porn in the state. Originally, only someone who shared explicit images of another person with the “intent to cause emotional distress” was guilty of the crime. And as with all laws that deal with “intent” there were plenty of ways to pursue a defense against criminal accusations.
But in 2021, pressure on legislators stemming from the death of University of Utah student Lauren McCluskey led to tightening of the law. In March 2021, HB147 modified the existing law for revenge porn, allowing for the crime to extend to circumstances where emotional distress is not considered.
Since Utah was one of the first states to pursue criminal charges for revenge porn, the expert defense team and Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat have been defending revenge porn cases for years. While the first offense for distribution of an intimate image is a misdemeanor, subsequent offenses can result in felony charges, and convictions can carry very steep penalties. If you have been accused of or charged with the distribution of intimate images, you need an experienced lawyer to defend your case. We are here to fight for your rights.
You can rest assured we will investigate all the details of your case and fully prepare for your defense. If you want to do some of your own research on Utah’s revenge porn laws, crime classifications, and penalties, you can visit our revenge porn page or the Utah criminal code for distribution of an intimate image to find more information.
Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony for the sex crime of revenge porn, in Utah, the lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat are committed to working hard on your defense and protecting your rights.
Give us a call at (801) 532-5297 for a free consultation or to get started on your defense.
