Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another Defense in Henrico County
The unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another is a serious sex crime in Virginia, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-386.2. In Henrico County, a conviction can mean up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and mandatory sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another
Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-386.2, makes it a crime to knowingly and intentionally disseminate, sell, loan, trade, or distribute any videographic or still image of another person who is totally nude, clad in undergarments, or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast, when such person is in a state of rest or sleep, or is otherwise in a state of undress and unaware that the image is being taken. This statute is Virginia’s primary law against what is commonly called “revenge porn.” The law requires that the dissemination be done with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate the depicted person, and that the person depicted did not consent to the dissemination.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-386.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information for Henrico County can be found on the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process for Image-Based Offenses
Cases for the unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another in Henrico County begin with an arrest or summons. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases, which often involve digital evidence like text messages, social media posts, and cloud storage records. The defense must carefully challenge the intent element and the lack of consent. In Henrico County Circuit Court, prosecutors frequently seek convictions that trigger the sex offender registry, making early and strategic defense critical.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be charged and have an initial hearing at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road).
- Evidence Review: Your attorney will file motions to obtain and review all digital evidence from the prosecution.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause for the case to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Henrico County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Disposition: The case is resolved either by a plea agreement or by a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties in Henrico County
In Henrico County, unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and potential lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another (First Offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible lifetime sex offender registration, civil liability |
| Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another (Subsequent Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with 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 over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Henrico County specifically, we have documented results in sex crime defense. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia’s sex crime statutes and the local court procedures in Henrico.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In Henrico County, we have 4 documented sex crime defense results, all with dismissals or not guilty verdicts. For instance, attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience and a former contract with Child Protective Services, has successfully defended clients against charges involving digital evidence and intimate images, leveraging his deep understanding of forensic procedures and prosecution tactics.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Unlawful Dissemination or Sale of Images of Another Lawyer Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We provide legal representation for individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Henrico County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by specific crime. For example, unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail. More severe sex crimes like rape carry 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Henrico County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Henrico County, Virginia?
Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. A conviction for unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another, especially a subsequent offense classified as a felony, will trigger this requirement. A primary defense goal is often to avoid any conviction that mandates registry.
How long does a sex crime case take in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends on the complexity. Cases involving the unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another typically take 3-12 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline can be extended by the need to analyze digital evidence like phones or social media data. Preliminary hearings occur within 21-60 days at the General District Court.
What should I look for in a revenge porn defense lawyer in Henrico County?
Look for a lawyer with specific experience defending against Va. Code § 18.2-386.2 charges. They must understand digital forensics, the intent element of the crime, and the local Henrico County prosecutors. A lawyer skilled in negotiating to avoid sex offender registration is crucial for your long-term future.
Why is a non-consensual image sharing lawyer Henrico County important?
A lawyer experienced in non-consensual image sharing cases is vital because these charges hinge on proving intent and lack of consent. A skilled attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on these points, negotiate for reduced charges that don’t require sex offender registration, or seek a dismissal based on procedural defenses.
Internal Resources: For more information on related charges, see our pages on Virginia Sex Crime Defense, Sex Crime Defense in Chesterfield County, and Criminal Defense in Henrico County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another in Henrico County.
If you want to see how a Henrico County case fits into the wider process, our page on unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.