Texas Revenge Porn Lawyer

If someone has posted intimate photos or videos of you online without your consent, or shared such images with other without your consent, you may feel shocked, humiliated, or overwhelmed by how quickly the material spreads. The internet allows images to travel instantly across websites, social media platforms, messaging apps, and anonymous forums. Many victims worry that once an explicit image is online or shared with others, nothing can be done to stop it.

That is not true.

Texas law provides both criminal and civil remedies for victims of revenge porn, sextortion, and other forms of non-consensual distribution of intimate images. In many cases, legal action can lead to:

• Removal of explicit photos or videos from websites
• Court orders preventing further distribution
• Identification of anonymous posters
• Monetary damages for the harm caused
• Intervention when someone threatens to release intimate images

At Dolghih Law Group, we represent individuals across Texas who are dealing with the devastating effects of revenge porn, online blackmail, and deepfake pornography. These situations require fast action, technical knowledge, and strategic legal intervention to stop the harm and limit further distribution. Victims often contact us when they discover that:

• An ex-partner has posted nude photos after a breakup
• Someone is threatening to release explicit images unless they pay money
• Intimate photos were shared privately but later distributed publicly
• A hacker obtained private images from a phone or cloud account
• Fake explicit images or deepfake videos using their face have appeared online

If someone has posted explicit images of you online or is threatening to do so, you do not have to handle the situation alone.

What Is Revenge Porn Under Texas Law?

The term “revenge porn” refers to the non-consensual distribution of intimate images of another person.
In many situations, the images were originally shared privately between partners or obtained during a consensual relationship. However, after the relationship ends, one person may post or distribute those images to embarrass, punish, or harass the other person.
Texas law refers to this conduct as Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material.
Under Texas law, revenge porn typically involves:

• An intimate image or video showing a person engaged in sexual conduct or exposing intimate body parts
• The image was created or obtained under circumstances where the subject expected it to remain private
• The person depicted did not consent to the distribution of the image
• The distribution causes harm, embarrassment, or emotional distress

Importantly, consent to create or share an image privately does not equal consent to distribute it publicly.

Examples of revenge porn can include:

• Posting nude images of a former partner on social media
• Uploading explicit videos to revenge porn websites
• Sending intimate photos to a victim’s coworkers or employer
• Sharing explicit images in group chats or online forums
• Emailing or texting intimate images to friends or family members

Even a single act of distribution can trigger legal liability.

Is Revenge Porn Illegal in Texas?

Yes.

Texas has specific laws addressing the non-consensual distribution of intimate visual material.

Under Texas Penal Code §21.16, it is generally illegal to intentionally disclose intimate visual material without the consent of the person depicted when the material was obtained under circumstances where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

The statute was enacted to address the growing problem of revenge porn and similar forms of digital harassment.

A violation of this law may expose the perpetrator to:

• Criminal prosecution
• Fines
• Possible jail time
• Civil liability for damages

However, criminal cases are handled by prosecutors, and the criminal justice process can take time. Many victims need faster relief to stop the spread of images online. This is where civil legal action becomes especially important. Civil lawsuits allow victims to seek immediate court orders requiring removal of the images and prohibiting further distribution.

Civil Lawsuits for Revenge Porn Victims

Victims of revenge porn are not limited to criminal remedies. Texas law also allows individuals to bring civil claims against the person responsible for distributing the images.

Civil lawsuits can serve several important purposes:

• Stopping the ongoing distribution of images
• Forcing removal of images from websites
• Identifying anonymous posters
• Recovering compensation for harm suffered

Civil cases may involve several types of legal claims depending on the facts.

Injunctive Relief

One of the most powerful remedies available in civil litigation is injunctive relief.

An injunction is a court order requiring someone to stop specific conduct.

In revenge porn cases, courts may order the defendant to:

• Remove all intimate images from websites and social media
• Delete copies of the images from devices or cloud storage
• Identify where the images were posted
• Refrain from distributing the images in the future

In some situations, courts may issue temporary restraining orders or temporary injunctions early in the case to stop ongoing harm.

Monetary Damages

Victims may also seek compensation for the harm caused by the unlawful distribution of intimate images.

Damages in these cases can include:

• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Reputational harm
• Damage to professional relationships
• Lost job opportunities
• Harassment or stalking resulting from the distribution

Courts recognize that revenge porn can cause severe and lasting harm to a person’s personal and professional life.

Discovery to Identify Anonymous Posters

Many revenge porn posts are made anonymously.

Civil litigation allows attorneys to use legal discovery tools to uncover the identity of the person responsible.

This may involve subpoenas directed to:

• Social media companies
• Website hosting providers
• Internet service providers
• Email providers
• Messaging platforms

These subpoenas can reveal information such as IP addresses, account registration data, and login records that help identify the individual behind the posts.

Sextortion: Threats to Release Intimate Photos

A growing number of revenge porn cases involve sextortion.

Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to release intimate images unless the victim provides money, additional explicit images, or other favors.

Sextortion schemes can occur in many ways, including:

• Online romance scams
• Social media impersonation schemes
• Hacking of phones or cloud storage accounts
• Former partners using private images as leverage

Victims may receive messages such as:

• “Send me $5,000 or I will send these photos to your family.”
• “Give me more photos or I will post the ones I already have.”
• “If you don’t respond, I will send this to your employer.”

Sextortion can involve multiple criminal offenses, including:

• Extortion
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Fraud
• Unlawful disclosure of intimate images

Victims should be extremely cautious about responding to extortion demands. Paying the person threatening release often does not stop the conduct, and in many cases the perpetrator continues making additional demands.

An attorney can help victims take steps such as:

• Preserving evidence of threats
• Sending cease-and-desist demands
• Identifying the person responsible
• Coordinating with law enforcement when appropriate
• Seeking court orders preventing distribution

Deepfake Pornography and Texas Law

Another rapidly growing problem involves deepfake pornography.

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to generate realistic but fake images or videos showing a person engaged in explicit acts that never actually occurred.

Deepfake technology can take an ordinary photograph and use it to create convincing pornographic material by digitally placing the person’s face onto someone else’s body.

Victims of deepfake pornography may discover:

• Fake explicit videos circulating online
• AI-generated nude images created from normal photos
• Manipulated videos appearing to show them in sexual acts
• Social media posts falsely portraying them in pornographic content

Deepfake pornography can be particularly damaging because viewers may believe the material is authentic.

Texas law is increasingly adapting to address these forms of digital exploitation. Victims may pursue civil claims based on legal theories such as:

• Defamation
• Invasion of privacy
• Misappropriation of likeness
• False light publicity
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Courts may order individuals responsible for creating or distributing deepfake pornography to remove the material and pay damages for the harm caused.

How to Remove Explicit Images From the Internet

One of the most urgent goals for victims of revenge porn is removing the images from the internet as quickly as possible.

Although the internet can make distribution fast, there are legal tools available to force removal.

DMCA Takedown Requests

In many cases, copyright law can be used to remove explicit images.

If the victim took the photograph or video, they may hold the copyright to the image. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), website operators must remove infringing content once they receive a valid takedown notice.

DMCA takedowns can be effective for removing images from:

• Social media platforms
• Image hosting sites
• Forums and message boards
• File-sharing platforms

Court Orders to Remove Revenge Porn

When voluntary takedowns are not successful, courts may issue orders requiring removal of the content.

Court orders can require defendants to:

• Remove images they posted
• Identify websites where they uploaded the images
• Assist with removal efforts

In some cases, courts may also order the defendant to disclose accounts or passwords used to distribute the material.

Removing Explicit Images From Google Search

Even when images remain on certain websites, legal action may allow them to be removed from search engine results.

Search engine removal can significantly reduce the visibility of the material and limit further distribution.

Identifying Anonymous Posters

If the person who posted the images is unknown, attorneys can use legal subpoenas to identify the responsible party.

This may involve obtaining information from:

• Website administrators
• Email providers
• Internet service providers
• Social media companies

Once the responsible individual is identified, victims can pursue legal claims directly against them.

What To Do If Someone Posted Intimate Photos of You

If you discover that someone has posted intimate images of you online, taking the right steps early can help limit the damage.

Preserve Evidence

Take screenshots showing:

• The website URL
• Usernames or account names
• Dates and timestamps
• Any accompanying messages or comments

Evidence may disappear quickly if the perpetrator deletes posts later.

Avoid Engaging With the Perpetrator

Responding emotionally or threatening the person can sometimes escalate the situation.

Do Not Pay Extortion Demands

Paying someone who is threatening to release images rarely solves the problem.

Contact an Attorney Quickly

Early legal action can help:

• Stop further distribution
• Preserve evidence
• Identify the responsible individual
• Remove images from websites

Why You Need a Texas Revenge Porn Lawyer

Cases involving revenge porn and sextortion often require a combination of legal strategy and technical understanding of how online platforms operate.

An attorney experienced in these matters can help:

• Identify the person responsible for distributing the images
• Send immediate takedown demands to websites
• Seek emergency court orders stopping further distribution
• File civil lawsuits for damages
• Coordinate with law enforcement where criminal violations are involved

Time is critical in these situations. The sooner legal action is taken, the greater the chance of limiting how widely the images spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sue someone for posting nude photos of you in Texas?

Yes. Victims may pursue civil lawsuits seeking damages and court orders requiring the removal of intimate images posted without consent.

Is sextortion illegal in Texas?

Yes. Sextortion may involve several criminal offenses, including extortion, harassment, and unlawful disclosure of intimate images.

Can a lawyer help remove explicit photos from the internet?

Yes. Attorneys can use legal tools such as DMCA takedown notices, court orders, and subpoenas to remove images and identify the person responsible.

What if the person who posted the images lives in another state?

Texas courts may still have jurisdiction if the harm occurred in Texas or if the images were distributed to people in Texas.

What if the images are fake or AI-generated?

Even if the images are fake, victims may have legal claims based on defamation, invasion of privacy, or misuse of their likeness.

Contact a Texas Revenge Porn Attorney

If someone has posted intimate images of you online or is threatening to release them, you may have legal options to stop the harassment and remove the content.

Dolghih Law Group represents individuals across Texas dealing with:

• Revenge porn
• Sextortion and online blackmail
• Non-consensual distribution of intimate images
• Deepfake pornography
• Online harassment involving explicit content

We understand that these cases involve deeply personal and sensitive issues, and we approach them with discretion and urgency.

Contact our office today to speak with a Texas revenge porn lawyer about your situation.