Revenge Porn Lawyer Union County, NJ

You are facing allegations that you shared intimate images or videos of another person without that person’s permission. You may have received a summons, been arrested, or learned that an investigation is underway. You are worried about jail time, a criminal record, damage to your reputation, and what this means for your job and your family. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team defend individuals accused of non‑consensual pornography—often called revenge porn—in Union County and throughout New Jersey. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He understands how the state builds these cases and works to protect your rights at every stage. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Strategy Options for Your Defense

Every revenge‑porn case is different, and the approach that fits your situation depends on the facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team examine the evidence carefully, looking for legal and factual weaknesses. Common lines of defense include demonstrating that the other person consented to the sharing or that the image does not meet the statutory definition of “intimate.” In some cases, the defendant may have been misidentified or the alleged conduct may involve a dispute about who actually posted the content. A well‑prepared defense often begins with challenging the sufficiency of the state’s proof before any trial takes place. The team also explores diversionary and resolution‑focused avenues, such as pretrial intervention or negotiating an amendment to a non‑criminal charge, depending on the defendant’s background and the posture of the case.

What to Expect When Facing a Revenge‑Porn Charge in Union County

Union County law enforcement agencies—including municipal police departments and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office—investigate allegations of non‑consensual distribution of intimate images. If charges are filed, the case will generally be heard in the Union County Municipal Court (for a disorderly persons offense) or in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207 (for an indictable crime). Most first‑offense revenge‑porn charges are graded as disorderly persons offenses, so the matter typically begins in municipal court. The municipal court handles arraignment, pretrial motions, plea discussions, and trial. If the charge is elevated to an indictable offense—for example, because of a prior conviction or aggravating circumstances—the case will be transferred to the Superior Court for felony‑level proceedings.

The process starts with a first appearance, where the defendant is informed of the charge and bail is set. New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so release will be determined by a risk‑assessment tool, not by the ability to pay. After the first appearance, the case proceeds through discovery, motion practice, and negotiations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team will evaluate the state’s evidence, file any appropriate motions to suppress or dismiss, and engage with the prosecutor to seek the trusted achievable outcome. If a trial is necessary, the team is prepared to present a thorough defense.

Penalty Overview

A conviction for non‑consensual distribution of intimate images under the statute carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. For a first‑time disorderly persons offense, a defendant faces potential jail time, a fine, and probation. More importantly, a criminal conviction creates a permanent record that can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and educational opportunities. If the offense is charged as an indictable crime (a fourth‑degree felony or higher), the exposure increases significantly and can include a period of state‑prison incarceration. A conviction under this statute does not generally trigger sex‑offender registration under Megan’s Law, but it remains a conviction that will appear on background checks. The collateral consequences—damage to reputation, the strain on personal relationships, and the stigma of a “revenge‑porn” label—can be severe. Because the penalties are serious, anyone accused should speak with an experienced defense lawyer before making any statements to investigators.

About Mr. Sris and His Defense Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive experience to criminal matters in Union County. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas; Results may vary. The team understands how the Union County Prosecutor’s Office handles these cases, the expectations of the municipal courts, and the procedural rules that govern discovery and motion practice. When you retain the firm, you work with defense counsel who know your local court system and who are prepared to pursue every available avenue on your behalf.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar — Maryland Judiciary — DC Bar — NJ Courts — NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is revenge porn under New Jersey law?

Revenge porn is the non‑consensual distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of another person, regardless of whether the defendant originally received the material with consent. The statute makes it a crime to disseminate an intimate image without the depicted person’s authorization, with the intent to cause emotional distress or with reckless disregard for that risk. The law covers photos and recordings that were taken or shared in circumstances where a reasonable person would expect privacy. Even forwarding a single image by text or social media can trigger a charge.

Is revenge porn a felony in Union County?

A first offense for non‑consensual pornography is typically charged as a disorderly persons offense—the equivalent of a misdemeanor—not a felony. However, if the defendant has a prior conviction under the same statute, or if the case involves aggravating factors such as stalking or a violation of a restraining order, the state may elevate the charge to an indictable crime (a fourth‑degree felony). The grading of the charge significantly affects the potential penalties and the court that will handle the case.

What are the penalties for non‑consensual pornography in New Jersey?

A disorderly‑persons conviction can bring up to six months in the county jail, a fine, and probation. If elevated to an indictable offense, the defendant faces the possibility of state prison. Beyond the court‑imposed sentence, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can hinder employment, housing, and professional licenses. While this offense does not ordinarily require sex‑offender registration, the stigma of a “revenge‑porn” conviction can follow a person for years.

Can I go to jail for sharing intimate images?

Yes, you can be incarcerated if convicted under the statute. For a first, disorderly‑persons offense, a judge may impose a county‑jail term of up to six months. For a repeat offender or when the charge is elevated to an indictable crime, state‑prison time is possible. Because jail is a real risk, anyone accused should secure legal representation before speaking with police or appearing in court.

What should I do if I am accused of revenge porn?

Do not speak with law enforcement, post about the case on social media, or contact the alleged victim. Anything you say can be used against you. Invoke your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. Then, reach an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and begin evaluating the evidence. Early intervention by counsel can often influence whether charges are filed and at what level.

How can a lawyer defend against revenge‑porn charges?

Defense strategies focus on challenging the state’s ability to prove each element of the offense. The prosecutor must show that (1) the defendant knowingly disseminated an intimate image, (2) the depicted person did not consent to the disclosure, and (3) the defendant acted with the intent to cause emotional distress or with reckless disregard. An attorney may argue that consent was given, that the image does not meet the legal definition of “intimate,” that the defendant was not the person who shared the image, or that the dissemination was inadvertent. Motion practice and plea negotiations also play a vital role.

Will I have a criminal record if convicted?

Yes, a disorderly‑persons or indictable conviction for revenge porn will appear on a criminal background check. Unlike a municipal ordinance violation, this is a crime of moral turpitude in the eyes of many employers and licensing boards. In some circumstances, a person may eventually be eligible for expungement, but that is a separate proceeding and is not guaranteed. The trusted way to avoid a record is to fight the charge from the outset with strong legal representation.

How long does a revenge‑porn case take in Union County?

The timeline depends on the grade of the charge and the court’s calendar. A disorderly‑persons matter in municipal court may resolve in weeks or months, while an indictable case in Superior Court can take many months, especially if pretrial motions are filed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to move the case forward efficiently but will not rush into a resolution that is not in the client’s best interest. Each stage—arraignment, discovery, motions, plea discussions, and potential trial—has its own timeframe set by court rules and scheduling.

Do I need a lawyer for a disorderly persons offense?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but appearing without one places you at a significant disadvantage. The prosecutor will be an experienced attorney who presents evidence according to court rules. Without counsel, you may miss crucial defenses, fail to challenge improper evidence, or agree to a plea without understanding the full consequences. An experienced defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and advocate for a dismissal or reduced charge.

What happens if the charge is upgraded to an indictable offense?

If the state treats the matter as an indictable crime, the case will move from municipal court to the Superior Court in Elizabeth. The process will include a grand‑jury presentation, potential indictment, detention hearings, and more formal discovery obligations. Indictable offenses carry heavier penalties, including the possibility of state prison. Defense strategies become even more critical at this stage, and having counsel with experience in Union County’s Superior Court is essential.

To discuss your revenge‑porn charge with a defense lawyer who knows Union County courts, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey Location
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.