Everyone is a victim these days, including, apparently, unenlightened rednecks who snort paint fumes. A West Virginian did just that back in 2005, and now he is a worldwide laughingstock thanks to the mugshot to the right.

If the guy sues, it will be an interesting case to watch. On the one hand, companies legally cannot profit from someone’s image without permission and/or compensation. On the other hand, mugshots are public record, which means people can publish them without permission, theoretically in whatever context they choose, whether for fun or profit.

The lesson for would-be criminals is obvious: The whole world is watching, so don’t do anything that will lead to viral online humiliation — like leaving the barber’s chair to buy crack.