Philadelphia Internet Sex Crimes Victim Lawyer

Victims of internet sex crimes rarely know their rights. Some don’t even realize they are considered victims of a crime, even though they are often left to pick up the pieces of shattered lives. These crimes can have devastating emotional, financial, and social consequences which impact the lives of many victims for years to come.

If you are the victim of an internet sex crime understanding your rights and options is the first step to reclaiming your life.

What is the definition of an Internet sex crime?

In the state of Pennsylvania, anyone who disseminates any intimate photo via the internet without the consent of the subject of that photo is guilty of an Internet sex crime. The motive could be blackmail, profit, or revenge, but the result is usually humiliation and distress for the victim. Some victims even begin receiving threats as images go live all over the world.

You may have heard of this crime under another name: “revenge porn.” However, an ex’s revenge isn’t the only reason these photos end up online. Sometimes the perpetrator is a hacker, helping himself or herself to photographs he or she has no right to. Sometimes the images are even taken without the victim’s knowledge or consent.

Remember, you have every right to take an intimate photo of yourself, or to pose for one, with every expectation that the recipient of the image will honor your privacy and keep the image to himself or herself. You do not “deserve” humiliation, ridicule, pain, or suffering because you made this choice.

What are my rights as the victim of an Internet sex crime?

You have the right to justice in two forms.

First, you can turn to the criminal justice system, which can hold the perpetrator accountable by having him or her punished, usually with jail time.

Second, you can seek civil justice. In a civil case, the goal would be to get you compensation for the damage you’ve suffered. Victims of internet sex crimes often lose their jobs and their social support networks. Their reputation becomes damaged to the point where it can be difficult to secure new employment. The stress and strain of the ordeal often requires counseling. A civil case can give victims the means to survive this trying time while they rebuild their lives.

You do not have to choose between the two. You are welcome to pursue both sorts of cases if you wish. The outcome of one will have no outcome on the bearing of the other, as they are two very different cases with two very different purposes.

What are my next steps if I am the victim of an Internet sex crime?

If you live in Philadelphia and would like to pursue a civil case, your next step is to contact the offices of Daniel P. Hartstein for a free, confidential consultation. Daniel Hartstein is a victim’s attorney who has nothing but respect for the victims of Internet sex crimes.

You will find support and compassion. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t have to pay a dime out of pocket and there is  no fee until you are awarded a settlement or a jury award. Get your life back on track and call today.