New Haven Sextortion Lawyer
If someone else has accused you of sending their “nudes” or other intimate images to other people without their consent, and especially if they are accusing you of blackmailing them with the threat of that dissemination in order to get money or something else of value from them, you are facing extremely serious criminal allegations. In either of these situations, support from a skilled New Haven sextortion lawyer can be crucial not just to proactively dealing with your criminal proceedings, but to potentially avoiding years of imprisonment and a permanent record as a felony offender.
Legal Definitions of “Sextortion”
Law enforcement authorities investigating allegations of “sextortion” can charge the alleged perpetrator under one of two sections of the Connecticut Penal Code, depending on exactly what that person is accused of doing with the private images that depict someone else engaging in sexual conduct or display. Both these offenses can be prosecuted as felonies under specific circumstances, so it is always worth seeking help from a qualified New Haven sextortion attorney when facing either type of allegation.
The less severe variant of this offense is “Unlawful Dissemination of an Intimate Image,” which is defined under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-189c. Someone commits this offense if they intentionally disseminate a sexually explicit image of another person to other people without the depicted individual’s consent, provided that the depicted person was not engaging in sexual conduct in a public or commercial setting, had a reasonable expectation that the image in question would remain private, and suffered harm of some kind as a result of the dissemination.
Conversely, if someone threatens to disseminate an intimate image unless the depicted person pays them a ransom or provides something else of value, they may be prosecuted under C.G.S. § 53a-122 for Larceny in the First Degree. Notably, since the act of Larceny in question involved Extortion, it is always considered a first-degree offense regardless of the financial value of the money, goods, or services allegedly obtained through the scheme.
Possible Penalties for a Sextortion Conviction
Sextortion, as defined under C.G.S. § 53-189c, is a Class A misdemeanor if the defendant disseminated the image in question to just one other person, which means a convicted person could have to serve up to a year of jail time and/or pay a maximum of $2,000 in fines. However, if they disseminated the image to multiple people over the internet or through any other telecommunications service, the offense becomes a Class D felony carrying maximum penalties upon conviction of five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Sextortion prosecuted under C.G.S. § 53a-122 is always a Class B felony, just like all other forms of Larceny in the First Degree, meaning a convicted defendant could face between one and 20 years of prison time plus a maximum of $15,000 in fines. Even harsher sanctions may be imposed against “persistent offenders” with several serious criminal convictions already on their record, as a sextortion defense lawyer in New Haven can further explain.
Speak With a New Haven Sextortion Attorney Today
Whether it takes the form of “revenge porn” or Larceny through Extortion, “sextortion” charges are very serious matters which warrant intervention from dependable legal counsel. By working closely with a seasoned New Haven sextortion lawyer, you will have a much better chance of securing a favorable case result than you likely would by representing yourself or with just a public defender on your side. Call the Law Offices of Mark Sherman today to learn more, and click here to read what our past clients have to say about working with us.