What is Considered a Privacy Violation in the Context of Voyeurism?
Voyeurism is the practice of deriving sexual pleasure from watching someone undress, engage in sexual intercourse, or perform other private acts. When you secretly record or photograph someone’s private areas, including the genitals, buttocks, or breasts, then you are guilty of the crime of voyeurism. Besides jail time and having to pay fines and/or restitution, you will also face collateral consequences.
If you have been accused of voyeurism, it is important that you speak with our Greenville sex crime lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Examples of Voyeurism
Voyeurism is considered a violation of privacy when an individual watches and takes photos and/or videos of a victim without his or her consent.
Common examples may include:
- Watching someone through a window as the individual undresses
- Using a cell phone or camera to take videos or photos underneath a person’s skirt (“upskirting”)
- Taking nude photos of someone as he or she undresses in a private place
- Taking a video of your partner while nude or during sexual intercourse
- Installing cameras in bathrooms or other places in which individuals expect to have privacy
South Carolina Law on Voyeurism
According to SC Code §16-17-470, voyeurism can encompass either:
- Invading a person’s privacy through spying on that individual through windows, doors, or other places, or using video or audio equipment (“peeping tom”), or
- Photographing, video graphing, audio recording, or creating an electronic digital file of someone who is in a place in which he or she has a “reasonable expectation of privacy.”
Penalties for Voyeurism in Greenville, SC
Voyeurism is a wobbler offense, which means you can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. For a first offense, voyeurism is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of $500. For a second offense, you may have to pay $500 to $5,000 in fines and/or be imprisoned for a maximum of five years.
While the punishment may appear harsh, the long-term consequences are more devastating, with former convicts having to register on the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry. When you register, your name, address, physical description, and vehicle description will be available to the public, along with a photograph. Voyeurism is a tier I offense, so you will only be eligible to apply for removal after 15 years. Being listed on the sex offender registry can make it difficult to find a job or adequate housing. Former convicts who cannot secure or maintain employment are more likely to commit further crimes, known as recidivism. Even after completing your sentence, these collateral consequences can make it difficult to move past your prior transgression.
Passionate Counsel in Your Corner
Being charged for voyeurism can cause you to fear for what the future holds. While a serious offense, our Greenville sex crime attorneys will investigate the matter to determine what defenses are available to you. If there is evidence that the victim did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy or if the person consented to be taped, then we may be able to get a reduced charge or drop the charges against you. A serious charge calls for serious representation, which is what you will find when you work with Ryan Beasley Law.
Allegations of Voyeurism? Contact Our Greenville Sex Crime Attorneys Today
Simply being accused of voyeurism can make you feel panicked. At Ryan Beasley Law, our Greenville sex crime attorneys are dedicated to presenting effective defenses and helping preserve our clients’ freedom and future. If you are currently under investigation or have been charged with voyeurism, do not hesitate to contact our firm. To arrange your consultation, give us a call at (864) 679-7777 or by completing our online contact form.