Revenge Porn Cases: Legal Support from a Specialist Solicitor
Protecting Your Rights and Reputation in the Digital Age
Being accused of sharing private, intimate images without consent is a serious and highly sensitive allegation. Whether the act was intentional or not, the legal, personal and professional consequences can be devastating.
At Nelson Guest & Partners, we offer expert legal defence for individuals facing revenge porn accusations. Our solicitors handle these complex cases with discretion and care, guiding clients through the process and helping them protect their future.
What Is Revenge Porn Under UK Law?
Revenge porn is a criminal offence under Section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. The offence involves:
"Disclosing private sexual photographs or films without the consent of the individual who appears in them, and with the intention of causing distress."
The offence does not require the images to be publicly posted online. Sending content to a single person, such as a friend or family member, may also lead to prosecution if there is evidence of intent to cause distress.
Examples of this offence include:
- Posting explicit images on social media
- Sharing videos through messaging apps without consent
- Threatening to release intimate content
- Forwarding photos in group chats without permission
Since 2021, even threatening to share private material can lead to criminal charges, regardless of whether the content was actually distributed.
What Are the Penalties for Revenge Porn?
If convicted, you may face:
- Up to 2 years in prison
- Financial penalties including fines or compensation orders
- A restraining order or a sexual harm prevention order
- A criminal record which may limit future employment or travel
The court will take several factors into account, including whether the victim is under 18, the level of distress caused, and whether the offence was part of a pattern of controlling behaviour.
What Happens If You Are Accused?
If the police invite you for questioning or arrest you for a revenge porn offence, you should seek legal advice immediately. Anything you say can later be used in court, and early mistakes can be difficult to undo.
Our team can support you by:
- Attending the police station with you
- Reviewing the evidence provided by the police or Crown Prosecution Service
- Advising you on your rights and the best strategy for your case
- Making legal representations before any formal charges are filed
We understand how important it is to act quickly and effectively in these situations.
Defending Revenge Porn Allegations
Not all accusations lead to prosecution. We carefully assess the evidence and circumstances surrounding each case to identify valid defence strategies, such as:
- You had no intent to cause distress, which is a key requirement under the law
- The image was shared with consent from the person involved
- You were not the person who disclosed the material
- Your account or device was accessed by someone else without your knowledge
- The image was already in the public domain
Digital evidence such as phone records, social media logs, and metadata often plays a key role in these cases. We work with forensic experts where necessary to uncover the full context.
Why Choose Nelson Guest & Partners?
We understand that image-based abuse cases can be emotionally overwhelming and deeply personal. That is why we provide a confidential, non-judgemental service tailored to your needs.
If you are a professional concerned about the impact on your career, reputation, or family life, our Private Client Service offers discreet and responsive support.
We are committed to protecting your legal rights and ensuring you receive the strongest possible representation.
Need Expert Help with a Revenge Porn Allegation?
A single accusation can have far-reaching effects, but you do not have to face it alone. At Nelson Guest & Partners, we are here to help you respond with confidence and clarity.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor who understands the legal complexities of revenge porn cases and how to protect your future.
📞 Call 020 8309 5010