The Removal Of Private Compromising Images

In the state of Illinois, it is illegal to post private comprising images. If someone posts these images, they could be ordered to remove the images and pay damages for the harm they caused.

Going over what the “Removal Of Private Images Act” comprises and speaking with a Chicago criminal defense attorney will help you obtain the best possible legal outcome.

What Does It Mean To Post A Private Compromising Image?

A person posts a private compromising image when they:

1. Deliberately share an image of another person who is at least 18 years old, identifiable from the image or information connected to the image, and whose intimate parts are exposed in part or in whole.
2. Have obtained the image in a manner that any reasonable person would know/understand that the image was taken without the person’s consent and/or knowledge.
3. Should have known that the person featured in the image did not consent to the image being taken and/or did not know the image was taken.
4. Operates or owns a website that allows private compromising images to be posted or, alternatively, does not remove private compromising images when they are images.

A good example of the above is as follows: someone takes a photo of another person and posts it online without the person knowing about the image or it being posted.

If something like the above occurs, then the person who posted that private compromising image could be ordered to remove the images and even pay damages.

Outside of what has been clarified above, posting a private compromising image could also lead to criminal charges. This is dependent on the case facts and isn’t always likely, yet it is always possible.

What Types Of Damages Can Someone Obtain For A Private Compromising Image?

The exact answer to this question is dependent on the damage, harm, and distress caused by the private compromising image that was posted.

For example, if a private compromising image was posted of another person, and that person lost their job as a result, then the person who posted it could be ordered to pay a great deal of money.

Or, just as another example, if the private compromising image created a great deal of distress that a therapist is now treating, the person who posted it could be on the hook for those therapy bills.

What About Criminal Charges?

In the state of Illinois, it is illegal for someone to post private sexual images of another person. And if someone is found guilty of doing so, they could face the following consequences:

1. One to three years in prison.
2. A fine of no more than $25,000.

None of these consequences are pleasant. For this reason, if you have been accused of spreading private compromising images/private sexual images, you should work with an attorney who can help you.

Get Qualified Legal Help Today

If you need representation for a private compromising image accusation, Glasgow & Olsson is here to help.

When you need an attorney, experience matters.

Speak with a Chicago attorney today, and we will defend you from the accusations you are facing.