West Virginia § 55-20-2 - 55-20-2. Definitions.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 55-20-2 — 55-20-2. Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-20-2. 55-20-2. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article:
(1) “Child” means an unemancipated individual who is less than 18 years of age.
(2) “Consent” means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization by an individual with legal capacity to give authorization.
(3) “Depicted individual” means the individual whose body is shown, in whole or in part, in an intimate image.
(4) “Disclosure” means transfer, publication, or distribution to another person.
(5) “Harm” means physical harm, economic harm, and emotional distress whether, or not accompanied by physical or economic harm.
(6) “Identifiable” means recognizable by a person other than the depicted individual:
(A) From an intimate image itself; or
(B) From an intimate image and identifying characteristic displayed in connection with the intimate image.
(7) “Identifying characteristic” means information that may be used to identify a depicted individual.
(8) “Individual” means a human being.
(9) “Intimate image” means a photograph, film, video recording, or other similar medium that shows:
(A) The uncovered genitals, pubic area, anus, or female post-pubescent nipple of a depicted individual; or
(B) A depicted individual engaging in or being subjected to sexual conduct.
(10) “Parent” means an individual recognized as a parent under the laws of this state other than this article.
(11) “Person” means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.
(12) “Private” means:
(A) Created or obtained under circumstances in which the depicted individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
(B) Made accessible through theft, bribery, extortion, fraud, false pretenses, voyeurism, or exceeding authorized access to an account, message, file, device, resource, or property.
(13) “Sexual conduct” means any act set forth below but is not limited to this list:
(A) Masturbation;
(B) Genital, anal, or oral sex;
(C) Sexual penetration of, or with, an object;
(D) Bestiality; or
(E) The transfer of semen onto a depicted individual.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 55-20-2
What does West Virginia Code § 55-20-2 cover?
Section 55-20-2 ("55-20-2. Definitions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 55-20-2?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 55-20-2" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 55-20-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.