Louisiana Video Voyeurism Charges

Video Voyeurism Defense Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Voyeurism can occur in one of two ways: in person or via video. An individual who sneaks into the female locker room in a gym to watch women undress is equally susceptible to voyeurism charges as one who attaches a recording device to his shoe to film upskirt. The constant with all voyeurism charges is that the unlawful viewing or recording was for sexual purposes. Video voyeurism has become a more relevant charge as of late due to the increasing availability of discreet recording devices.

It is essential for those facing video voyeurism charges to be proactive in their search for legal representation. Eric G. Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is an established criminal defense attorney who dedicates himself to his clients. Through a thorough analyzation of case details, application of legal knowledge, and calculated negotiation with prosecutors, Eric can help mitigate charges for your criminal case.

What is Video Voyeurism?

RS 14:283.1 defines video voyeurism as:

“The use of any camera, videotape, photo-optical, photo-electric, unmanned aircraft system, or any other image recording device for the purpose of observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping a person where that person has not consented to the observing, viewing, photographing, filming, or videotaping and it is for a lewd or lascivious purpose.”

The law also extends to include the transfer of obtained media via e-mail, live or recorded message, commercial online service, and the Internet as video voyeurism. Laws against video voyeurism have evolved to keep up with technological advances. Legislatures have also implemented daunting criminal penalties for those convicted of this offense.

Penalties for Video Voyeurism in Louisiana

Prosecutors may charge an individual with video voyeurism as a misdemeanor or a felony. Specifics including the age of the victim and criminal history of the defendant help determine the severity of associated penalties; however, anyone convicted of this crime must register as a sex offender.

Video Voyeurism First & Second Conviction

When the act isn’t committed against a minor, and the content is not of sexual acts, a first offense is punishable by:

Up to 2 years in prison
Up to $2,000 in fines

A second conviction is punishable by:

Up to 3 years in prison
Up to $2,000 in fines

Video Voyeurism of Sexual Acts

When the footage is of sexual intercourse, simulated intercourse, or intimate body parts, the crime is punishable by:

Up to 5 years in prison
Up to $2,000 in fines

Video Voyeurism of a Minor

When the victim is under 17-years-old, and one captures the footage to arouse or fulfill sexual desires, the crime is punishable by:

Up to 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Louisiana Video Voyeurism Defense Lawyers

Louisiana laws against video voyeurism are considerably vague, leaving much up for interpretation. The prosecution will try to use any gray areas of the law to their advantage. With the help of a video voyeurism defense attorney at The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, you can combat their efforts and fight to have charges lessened or even dropped altogether. Contact us today at 318-377-1555 to discuss your case for free.