Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another, often called revenge porn, is a serious sex crime in Chesapeake, Virginia, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-386.2. A conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another
Virginia law specifically criminalizes the non-consensual sharing of intimate images under Va. Code § 18.2-386.2. This statute makes it illegal to knowingly disseminate, sell, or offer for sale any videographic or still image of another person who is totally nude, in a state of undress, or engaged in sexual conduct, when the person depicted does not consent to the dissemination. The law is designed to combat revenge porn and protect victims from the severe emotional and reputational harm caused by such acts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-386.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these cases in Chesapeake are handled by the Chesapeake General District Court.
Defense Strategy for Chesapeake Cases
In Chesapeake, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard in the Chesapeake General District Court. A key local procedural fact is that while the initial charge is often filed in General District Court, the case can have significant collateral consequences, including potential civil liability and lasting damage to one’s reputation and employment prospects. Defense strategy must be aggressive from the outset.
- Immediate Legal Intervention: Contact an attorney before making any statement to police. Preserve all related digital communications.
- Evidence Review: Your attorney will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including metadata, to challenge the knowing dissemination element or establish consent.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or to challenge the sufficiency of the charge.
- Negotiation or Trial: Pursue a favorable plea agreement to a lesser charge or take the case to trial if the evidence is weak.
Potential Penalties in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, a conviction for Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another under Va. Code § 18.2-386.2 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with severe penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another (First Offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Possible protective order, civil lawsuit for damages, permanent criminal record. |
| Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another (Subsequent Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | All of the above, plus loss of firearm rights, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes and sensitive nature of charges related to the non-consensual image sharing lawyer Chesapeake residents may face, and we build defenses that protect our clients’ futures and reputations.
Case Results
Our approach is informed by a history of favorable results. In one case, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with promoting/distributing child pornography in Maryland. In another, a client facing a misdemeanor sex abuse charge in Washington, D.C. Superior Court saw their case dismissed. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on all complex sex crime defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Chesapeake courts. We are a short drive from the Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive, accessible via I-64 and Route 168.
Looking for an Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another lawyer near Chesapeake or the Greenbrier area? We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Available 24/7: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 609-0069
Meetings: By appointment only.
Address: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
FAQs: Unlawful Dissemination Defense in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for Unlawful Dissemination of Images in Chesapeake?
A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second or subsequent conviction becomes a Class 6 felony, carrying 1-5 years in prison.
Do I need a revenge porn defense lawyer in Chesapeake if the image was taken consensually?
Yes. Consent to create an image is not consent to distribute it. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the prosecution’s proof that you knowingly disseminated the image without the subject’s consent.
Can I be charged if I only shared the image with one person?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-386.2, “disseminate” means to publish, sell, give, provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, transfer, transmit, post, publish, distribute, circulate, or present via electronic means. Sharing with even one other person can meet this definition if done without consent.
What should I do if I am investigated for this crime?
Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a lawyer experienced in defending against Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another charges. Preserve all relevant phones, computers, and messages, but do not examine them yourself.
Are there defenses to this charge?
Potential defenses include lack of intent, consent to disseminate, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or that the disseminated image does not meet the legal definition (e.g., the person is not nude or engaged in sexual conduct). Each case requires a detailed review of the evidence.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these charges, it is crucial to get experienced help. For more on our statewide practice, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub. For defense in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County sex crime lawyer or Chesterfield County sex crime lawyer. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, we also handle Chesapeake criminal defense and Chesapeake DUI defense.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Chesapeake, our page on unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.