Invasion of privacy is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences for your reputation, your relationships, and your future. If you or a loved one has been accused of invasion of privacy, you need to act quickly and seek the help of an experienced and aggressive attorney. Ciccarelli Law Offices is a team of dedicated and compassionate lawyers who specialize in invasion of privacy cases. We can help you understand the charges, the evidence, the possible penalties, and the legal process. We can also protect your rights, challenge any unlawful or improper actions, and argue for the best possible outcome for your case. We have successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the greater Philadelphia metro area and all of the suburban counties, such as Lancaster County and Chester County. We are very familiar with the laws and the courts in each one of these jurisdictions, and we have established good relationships with the judges, the prosecutors, and the police. We also treat you and your case with respect, dignity, and care. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. We work with you as a team, and we never judge you or your situation.
What is Invasion of Privacy
Invasion of privacy is a broad term that covers various types of conduct that violate a person’s right to privacy. Privacy is a fundamental right that is recognized by the U.S. Constitution, the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the common law. Privacy means the right to be left alone, to control one’s personal information, and to avoid unwanted publicity or exposure.
Pennsylvania recognizes four distinct types of invasion of privacy actionable under tort law1:
- Intrusion upon seclusion (intruding physically or otherwise on someone’s private affairs);
- Appropriation of name or likeness or using another’s likeness or name for one’s own benefit;
- Unreasonable publicity given to private life; and
- Publicity that unreasonably places one in a false light before the public.
In addition, Pennsylvania has a specific criminal statute that defines invasion of privacy as follows2:
Except as set forth in subsection (d), a person commits the offense of invasion of privacy if he, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person, knowingly does any of the following:
(1) Views, photographs, videotapes, electronically depicts, films or otherwise records another person without that person’s knowledge and consent while that person is in a state of full or partial nudity and is in a place where that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) Photographs, videotapes, electronically depicts, films or otherwise records or personally views the intimate parts, whether or not covered by clothing, of another person without that person’s knowledge and consent and which intimate parts that person does not intend to be visible by normal public observation.
(3) Transfers or transmits an image obtained in violation of paragraph (1) or (2) by live or recorded telephone message, electronic mail or the Internet or by any other transfer of the medium on which the image is stored.
This statute covers the common scenarios of voyeurism, peeping, spying, filming, recording, or distributing nude or intimate images of another person without their consent. This is also known as “revenge porn” or “nonconsensual pornography”.
Circumstances Where Somebody Could Be Accused of Invasion of Privacy
There are many situations where somebody could be accused of invasion of privacy, either civilly or criminally. Some examples are:
- Installing hidden cameras or microphones in someone’s home, hotel room, locker room, bathroom, or dressing room;
- Hacking into someone’s computer, phone, email, or social media accounts and accessing or sharing their personal information, photos, or videos;
- Taking or sharing unauthorized photos or videos of someone in a public or semi-public place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a park, a beach, or a restaurant;
- Using someone’s name, image, or likeness for commercial purposes without their consent, such as in an advertisement, a product, or a service;
- Publishing or broadcasting false or misleading information about someone that portrays them in a negative or offensive light, such as in a newspaper, a magazine, a TV show, or a website;
- Harassing, stalking, or threatening someone by phone, mail, email, or online, and invading their personal space or security.
These are just some of the possible scenarios where invasion of privacy can occur. However, each case is unique and depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.
Why You Should Hire Ciccarelli Law Offices
If you or a loved one has been accused of invasion of privacy, you should not take the matter lightly. Invasion of privacy is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for your personal and professional life. You could face civil lawsuits, criminal charges, fines, restitution, injunctions, probation, or even jail time. You could also suffer damage to your reputation, your relationships, and your future opportunities. You need a skilled and aggressive advocate who can fight for your rights and your interests.
Ciccarelli Law Offices is a team of dedicated and compassionate lawyers who specialize in invasion of privacy cases. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the passion to handle any invasion of privacy case. We have successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the greater Philadelphia metro area and all of the suburban counties, such as Lancaster County and Chester County. We are very familiar with the laws and the courts in each one of these jurisdictions, and we have established good relationships with the judges, the prosecutors, and the police. We also treat you and your case with respect, dignity, and care. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. We work with you as a team, and we never judge you or your situation.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring Ciccarelli Law Offices for your invasion of privacy case:
- We can help you understand the charges, the evidence, the possible penalties, and the legal process.
- We can advise you on the best course of action for your case, whether it is to negotiate a settlement, seek a dismissal, or go to trial.
- We can protect your rights and challenge any unlawful or improper actions by the other party, the police, the prosecutors, or the court.
- We can gather and present evidence, witnesses, and experts to support your defense and cast doubt on the other party’s case.
- We can argue for the most favorable outcome for your case, such as reduced charges, reduced penalties, or alternative resolutions.
- We can help you avoid or minimize the negative consequences of an invasion of privacy accusation, such as civil liability, criminal conviction, or public exposure.
How to Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been accused of invasion of privacy, don’t wait. Time is of the essence. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your defense and the better chance we have of achieving a positive result. Call us today at (610) 692-8700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call and meet with you at our convenient locations across Pennsylvania. We are ready to help you and your case. Don’t let an invasion of privacy accusation ruin your life. Let Ciccarelli Law Offices fight for your rights and your future.