• Practice Areas • Practices • Federal civil action relating to disclosure of intimate images under 15 U.S.C. § 6851
The statute narrowly defines such images as those of uncovered genitals, public area, anus, or post-pubescent female nipple of an identifiable individual; the transfer of bodily sexual fluids to or from identifiable individuals; or an identifiable individual engaging in sexual conduct. 15 U.S.C. § 6851(b)(2).
This means that someone sharing, without your consent, your nude and naked images is liable. And this includes photographs and videos.
The statute makes it illegal for anyone to disclose such intimate images without consent. The term “disclose” means, the statute says, “to transfer, publish, distribute, or make accessible.” 15 U.S.C. § 6851(b)(1).
If someone disclosed, under these definitions, such intimate images without your consent, you have the right to take legal action under federal law. This includes circumstances in which those intimate images were shared through the internet or social media, including messaging platforms. 15 U.S.C. § 6851(a).
But note: 15 U.S.C. § 6851 does not protect commercial pornography unless it was produced under coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation. 15 U.S.C. § 6851(e).
This federal statute even bars disclosing someone’s intimate images to oneself (transferring them) without that person’s expressed consent.
One such case that Chandra Law handled was that of a Port Clinton, Ohio firefighter/EMT. The suit alleged that her boss, Port Clinton Fire Chief Kent Johnson, by deception, pretext, and coercion demanded access to the firefighter’s personal cellphone, and then secretly took with his own phone pictures of her private, intimate images. After the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation found those intimate images in the Google cloud associated with his phone, he was criminally indicted and convicted in state court of stealing those images—and sentenced to jail.
The Chandra Law Firm filed civil claims for the aggrieved firefighter case in federal court, including a claim for violation of the federal intimate-images statute, 15 U.S.C. § 6851(a), (b)(1).
The intimate-images statute provides that a court can order a defendant (the person who shared your images) to:
You may also have rights under state-law privacy torts, including similar parallel state revenge-porn statutes, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. And you may also be a crime victim, able to seek criminal charges against the offender.
The Chandra Law Firm LLC has experience litigating under the federal intimate-images statute, and is here to help you. Our firm is more likely to take such a case on a contingency, as opposed to an hourly or flat, fee if the defendant is financially collectible.
You may reach our firm, which serves clients throughout Ohio and the nation, preferably by filling out our secure online contact form in as much detail as possible about
Or, if necessary, you may call us at 888.500.5025. But the online contact form is best.
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— Tawnie
“ Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of...” Expand Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of the players in both Ohio's state and federal criminal-justice system, he began contacting those prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation. Without hesitation or fear, and while displaying the utmost professionalism, he soon discovered that these rumors were nothing more than that—just rumors. He continued to make contacts on my behalf, keeping me informed every step of the way. He was dedicated not only to protecting my interests and well-being, but also to keeping me calm. When the results of this investigation were finally announced and I was not a part of it at all, the sense of relief was overwhelming. But I was confident all along that his skills as a litigator and his traits as family man would have seen me safely through, no matter what the outcome would have been. Attorney Chandra cares for his clients, fights for them and goes out of his way to ensure the best possible outcome. ” Hide
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“ The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and second to none in my year-long case. I would highly recommend him and his law firm for anything employment-related. He will guide you the best way to resolve a matter in accordance with the Law.” Hide
— Rebecca C.
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— Samaria Rice, mother of the late Tamir Rice, who was killed by Cleveland police in 2014
“ Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold.” Expand Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold. Subodh was not just an attorney for me. He was my counselor, my advocate, my supporter, and my friend. I truly appreciate his guidance and his respect for the law. I hired Subodh to represent me in a long, drawn out, and painful discrimination case against my employer. With his intelligence and knowledge of the law the case was settled and the result was very pleasing. I was able to keep my employment along with some compensation for back pay and emotional damages. If anyone ever asked me for an attorney recommendation, I would without hesitation recommend the Chandra Law Firm.” Hide
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— Shunnah Tyler
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