Romantic entanglements can be full of ups and downs -- and not every relationship ends on a positive note. In a moment of emotional upheaval following a breakup, you may be very tempted to lash out at your ex in some way, particularly if you're feeling betrayed. Maybe it occurs to you to put that sexually-explicit video you found on their phone on full blast to their relatives. Or, maybe you have a few nude photos of your ex on your phone and are thinking of sharing them with their boss.

We offer one firm piece of advice in these situations: Don't do it. "Revenge porn" is illegal.

In the past, the Colorado law that criminalized revenge porn -- which is essentially any act that involves disseminating sexually-explicit images of another person without their permission -- had a few loopholes that made it difficult for ordinary victims to seek justice.

In 2018, however, the law was amended. Images don't necessarily have to involve nudity to qualify as revenge porn. Prosecutors no longer have to prove that you acted with the intention to inflict serious emotional harm on the other party to win a conviction. The requirement that the incident be a "newsworthy event" was also eliminated.

Now, a new milestone has been reached: A Colorado woman won a $40,000 judgment against her ex-boyfriend for forwarding an explicit video of her to someone else in a fit of jealousy and rage.

A civil judgment against you over an issue like this would be in addition to any consequences you might face in criminal court -- and those are serious enough. No matter how upset you are at your ex, it's better to just walk away.

If you made a mistake and you're now facing charges over revenge porn, don't lose heart. Talk to an experienced Colorado Springs defense attorney right away.