Understanding Revenge Porn Laws in California – Your Legal Rights & Options

Apr 2, 2025

• What Is Considered Revenge Porn?
• Closer Look at Penal Code 647(j)(4)
• You Can Sue for Damages
• FAQs

Discovering that someone has shared your private photos or videos without consent can be devastating. In an age where digital privacy is constantly under threat, revenge porn – the non-consensual sharing of explicit images – has become a serious legal and personal issue. If you’re a victim of revenge porn, know that you are not alone, and you have rights according to revenge porn laws in California.

In fact, these laws are some of the strongest in the county, and those responsible can face serious legal consequences under California Penal Code 647(j)(4). But understanding California’s revenge porn laws – and knowing what steps to take – can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are running high.

That’s where we come in. At Dordulian Law Group, we specialize in helping victims fight back, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about revenge porn in California, including what the law says, how you can take action, and what legal options are available to you.

If you’ve been targeted by revenge porn, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Legal help is available, and justice is possible. Let’s break it all down so you can understand your rights and take the next steps with confidence.

What Is Considered Revenge Porn?

Revenge porn isn’t just a violation of privacy – it’s a serious crime in California. But what exactly does the law consider “revenge porn”?

In a nutshell, revenge porn refers to the sharing or distribution of intimate images or videos without the consent of the person depicted, with the intent to cause harm, embarrassment, or distress. This often happens after a breakup, where one party seeks to humiliate the other, but it can also occur in cases of hacking, blackmail, or online harassment.

Under California Penal Code 647(j)(4), an act qualifies as revenge porn if:

• The offender intentionally distributes an intimate image or video of someone else.
• The victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy (i.e., the content was meant to stay private).
• The distribution causes emotional distress to the victim.
• The offender knew or should have known that the act would cause harm.

What Does and Doesn’t Count as Revenge Porn?

These scenarios DO qualify as revenge porn:

• A private, intimate photo shared with an ex is later posted online without consent.
• A hacker steals private images from a phone and distributes them.
• A person shares a sexual video of their partner as an act of revenge.

But these DO NOT constitute revenge porn:

• An image is shared with the subject’s consent for public use.
• Private messages don’t contain explicit content.
• Images are not distributed beyond the sender.

California Revenge Porn Laws: A Closer Look at Penal Code 647(j)(4)

California has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to revenge porn. Under California Penal Code 647(j)(4), it’s illegal to share explicit images of someone without their consent – especially if the intent is to cause harm or distress. Whether the content is posted online, sent via text, or shared in any other way, violators can face criminal and civil penalties.

What the Law Says

California Penal Code 647(j)(4) states:

• It is illegal to distribute an intimate image or video of someone without their consent.
• The victim must have had a reasonable expectation of privacy (meaning they never intended the content to be shared publicly).
• The distribution must be done with the intention of causing emotional distress, harm, or humiliation.
• The victim must suffer real distress as a result of the act.

This law applies whether the offender is an ex-partner, acquaintance, or even a hacker. If the image was meant to be private, sharing it without permission is a crime.

Penalties for Violating the Law

Someone convicted under California revenge porn laws can face:

• Misdemeanor charges
• Up to 6 months in jail for a first-time offense
• Up to 1 year in jail for repeat offenders or cases involving minors
• Fines of up to $1,000 or more
• A permanent criminal record

Recourse for Victims

If you’re a victim of revenge porn in California, you have legal rights. Here’s what you can do:

• Report the crime: File a police report – revenge porn is a prosecutable offense.
• Seek a restraining order: Courts can legally prevent the offender from further harassment.
• Request content removal: Legal action can force websites to take down illegally shared content.

Civil Penalties: You Can Sue for Damages

Beyond criminal charges, victims have the right to file a civil lawsuit against a revenge porn offender in California. A civil case allows you to seek compensation for:

• Emotional distress – The psychological impact of having private images exposed.
• Lost wages – If the situation has affected your job or career.
• Reputation damage – Compensation for harm caused to your public or professional image.

In some cases, courts award punitive damages – meaning the offender may have to pay even more as a form of punishment.

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