Los Angeles, CA asked in Copyright, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Sexual Harassment for California

Q: I live in Los Angeles and an ex romantic partner posted an intimate video of me without consent (Poland). What do I do?

He's also stalking me, taunting me by showing all of the personal information he has about me, which I did not give. He calls me various slurs, tells me that I would be better off dead, etc. Would California extradite someone from Poland for this or do I have to pursue justice in Poland?

I would do a DMCA takedown request, but the website is in the Czech Republic and stated they will give all of my information to the uploader for the counter. I do not want him to have my information.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Your situation is complex and distressing, involving issues of non-consensual sharing of intimate images, stalking, and harassment. In California, the distribution of such images without consent is illegal, and you have legal rights that can be enforced.

Regarding the video posted without your consent, you could consider filing a police report in Los Angeles, as California laws may apply even if the perpetrator is in another country. However, extradition for such cases can be challenging and is dependent on various legal and diplomatic factors.

Since the website hosting the video is in the Czech Republic, and they have indicated they will share your information with the uploader, a DMCA takedown request could potentially expose your information to the ex-partner. In this scenario, it's crucial to proceed with caution.

Given the international nature of the issue and the serious nature of the threats and harassment, it's advisable to seek legal counsel. An attorney can guide you on the best steps to take, which might include legal action in Poland, where your ex-partner is located.

For your immediate safety and well-being, consider reaching out to organizations specializing in online harassment and cyberstalking. They can provide support and potentially offer resources or advice on how to handle this situation.

Lastly, if you are feeling threatened or in danger, don't hesitate to contact local law enforcement for immediate assistance. Your safety is paramount, and there are resources available to help protect you.

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