Facing Revenge Porn Allegations in Cleveland? Your Legal Defense Starts Here

Revenge porn allegations in Ohio carry serious legal consequences—and defending yourself requires more than just damage control. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys aggressively defend clients accused of nonconsensual image sharing and other digital sex crimes throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio. We understand the complex digital evidence involved in these cases—and we know how prosecutors build them. That’s why we move quickly to challenge the accusations, suppress unlawful evidence, and protect your rights at every stage. If you've been charged under Ohio’s revenge porn statute, you need a legal team with the experience and strategic insight to fight back—and win.

What Is Revenge Porn Under Ohio Law?

Ohio law defines revenge porn as the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images under Ohio Revised Code § 2917.211. To be charged, the prosecution must show that:

• You knowingly disseminated an image of another person;
• The person is over 18 years of age;
• The image depicts nudity or a sexual act;
• The individual did not consent to the dissemination; and
• The person is identifiable in the image or by accompanying information.

Dissemination includes posting online, sharing via text or email, or distributing by any other means with intent to harm the person depicted.

Penalties for Revenge Porn in Ohio

Revenge porn is typically charged as a third-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, which carries:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• A fine of up to $500

Second offenses elevate to a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $750

Third or subsequent offenses are first-degree misdemeanors, with penalties up to:

• 180 days in jail
• $1,000 in fines

In addition to criminal penalties, defendants may face civil lawsuits under Ohio Revised Code § 2307.66, where victims can seek:

• Compensatory and punitive damages
• Court costs and attorney’s fees
• Injunctions or restraining orders to prevent further sharing of the images

Key Takeaway: A conviction for nonconsensual dissemination can permanently damage your record and lead to both criminal and civil consequences.

What Happens After an Arrest for Revenge Porn in Cleveland?

After an accusation or complaint, police will investigate and gather digital evidence such as emails, texts, social media posts, or website activity. If they believe there is probable cause, you may be arrested and charged.

You will be scheduled for an arraignment at the Cleveland Municipal Court or Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, depending on the severity and circumstances of the charge.

Our legal team at Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. works quickly to:

• Review the state’s evidence
• File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained data
• Protect your constitutional rights
• Negotiate for dismissal or reduction of charges

Common Defenses to Revenge Porn Charges in Ohio

Our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers build tailored defenses using both Ohio statutes and constitutional protections. Potential legal defenses may include:

1. Lack of Intent to Harm

The prosecution must prove intent. If the image was shared without malicious intent or harm, this could defeat the charge.

2. Consent

If the person shown in the image gave prior consent for the image to be shared or posted, we will present that evidence to challenge the charge.

3. Image Does Not Qualify Under the Statute

Images not showing nudity or sexual conduct, or where the individual cannot be identified, may fall outside the scope of Ohio’s law.

4. Mistaken Identity or Wrong Accused

We may present digital forensic evidence showing that someone else posted or distributed the image.

5. Statutory Exceptions

Under § 2917.211(C), the statute does not apply to dissemination related to:

• Criminal investigations
• Legal proceedings
• Reporting of unlawful conduct
• Artistic works

6. Website Host Protections (Section 230 CDA)

If you are a website operator or platform host, you may be protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields passive hosts from liability for third-party content.

Will a Revenge Porn Conviction Stay on My Record?

Yes. Any misdemeanor conviction in Ohio becomes part of your permanent criminal record and may appear on background checks by employers, schools, or licensing boards.

However, certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for record sealing or expungement if you meet the waiting period and other eligibility criteria under Ohio law.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can assess your case and advise whether your record can be sealed or cleared in the future.

Why You Need an Experienced Defense Attorney

Revenge porn charges are highly sensitive, often emotionally charged, and prosecuted aggressively in Northeast Ohio. These cases require:

• Deep understanding of Ohio criminal statutes
• Technical knowledge of digital evidence and privacy laws
• Familiarity with courts like Cleveland Municipal Court and Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
• A strategy tailored to protect your freedom, reputation, and future

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we provide confidential consultations, prompt case evaluations, and a focused legal strategy. We work to minimize the public exposure of these cases and protect your rights at every stage.

Take Control of Your Defense—Contact Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. Now

If you’ve been accused of revenge porn in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, don’t wait to get legal help. Early intervention can make the difference between dismissal and conviction.

Call or text Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. at (216) 661-5050 now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cleveland criminal defense lawyer. You can also fill out our secure online form—your information stays confidential, and an attorney from our trusted legal team will follow up shortly.

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