The widespread use of technology and social media have created many ways for people to interact with each other. Unfortunately, the nature of online interactions isn’t always positive. From people trolling each other on social media and leaving nasty comments on the details of other people’s lives to creating and posting online content with the intent of embarrassing or harming others, technology has created plenty of ways for people to be unkind towards each other.

For example, Joe Barton recently apologized for a sexually explicit photo of him that has been circulating on social media. Barton did not post the picture, nor did he give permission for it to get posted, but there it was on the internet, leaving him in the unenviable position of having to decide what to do about it. That would be a difficult thing for anyone to do, but even more unfortunately for Barton, he is a politician, and his career depends in large part upon the public’s opinion of him. Barton chose to acknowledge the image and the relationship portrayed therein, and he apologized to his constituents for letting them down, because he knew that at least some people would not have approved of that relationship. As of yet, no one has released information about the source of the image and any potential motivation for posting it – it could be a political opponent, an angry former lover, or any other person who wanted to embarrass Barton and harm his reputation.

It is even possible that Joe Barton is the victim of a crime. Some Texans may not know that there is a state law that makes it a crime to intentionally disclose pictures or videos that “depict another person with the person’s intimate parts exposed or engaging in sexual conduct” without their consent. This type of disclosure is often referred to as “revenge porn” because that’s one possible motivation for many posts of this nature. Posting this type of content could get you charged with a Class A misdemeanor with a sentence of up to a year in the county jail and a fine of up to four thousand dollars. The law was passed to protect people who were in consensual relationships at the time that the images got created, but who do not consent to the posting of the images online.

If you have been accused of posting revenge porn in violation of the new statute, it is imperative that you get help from an experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney. Just as is the case with any crime, it is possible that you could present a defense to the court that could result in the charges getting dropped or the penalty getting reduced.

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra – An Ally for the Accused

If you get charged with a crime in Texas, consult an attorney right away. An experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can build a strong case on your behalf, especially if you retain them immediately. The consequences of being charged with or convicted of a crime can extend far beyond fines and imprisonment, so it is essential that you do whatever you can to protect your rights at this critical time. If you got charged with a crime in Texas, call Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra, at (903) 753-7499, or connect with us on our website through our online contact form.