when charged with indecent exposure should you ger a lawyer

by Rita Dach 9 min read

If you are facing a charge of felony indecent exposure, consider consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in your area. A lawyer can evaluate the strength of the prosecution's case against you and help develop any defenses you might have.

Full Answer

What is an indecent exposure charge?

An indecent exposure charge is a legal emergency. It makes good sense to create a defense with an experienced criminal defense attorney now. Your attorney may be able to make the charge go away or have penalties for the alleged offense reduced.

Why hire a criminal defense attorney for indecent exposure?

Judges, prosecutors, and/or jurors often make quick decisions and subjective decision-making in an indecent exposure case. Without an effective criminal defense attorney, these very important parties might not take the time to thoroughly review the facts of the case.

Should I take a plea deal for indecent exposure?

If there is insufficient evidence for a prosecutor to show that you in fact committed the crime of indecent exposure, you cannot be convicted of the crime. You did expose your genitals but in a secluded area where no one was around to be offended by your act A good plea deal would include a plea reduction to a charge of lewd coduct.

What does the prosecutor have to prove for indecent exposure?

What Does the Prosecutor Have to Prove? In order to secure a conviction for indecent exposure, the prosecutor must produce evidence sufficient to prove to a judge or jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, the existence of specific components of the offense.

Is indecent exposure considered harassment?

Sexual harassment can traverse a wide range of behaviors from suggestive comments, lewd looks or gestures, explicit jokes, innuendo and belittling, to sexual assault, indecent exposure, and rape (Cates & Machin, 2012). The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recognizes two types of sexual harassment.

What is the penalty for indecent exposure in Michigan?

Indecent exposure is generally a misdemeanor offense which results in criminal penalties that include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000 for those convicted.

Is indecent exposure a felony in California?

Penalties for Indecent Exposure vary. A first conviction will likely result in a Misdemeanor sentence of six months in a county jail and/or a fine of up to one-thousand dollars. A second offense will be treated as a Felony and could result in a State prison term.

What is the punishment for indecent exposure in UK?

Indecent exposure, if tried at a Crown Court, carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. However, most indecent exposure cases are tried in Magistrate's Court, where the defendant will receive a summary conviction – carrying a maximum of six months in prison, a fine or both.

Is indecent exposure a felony?

Conviction of a first offense for indecent exposure is usually a misdemeanor. However, repeat misdemeanor offenses can result in a felony conviction. The number of prior convictions that will trigger a felony charge for a subsequent offense varies by state.

Can you go to jail for exposing someone?

In most cases, the first conviction subjects an individual to misdemeanor penalties, meaning a few months in county jail and/or a fine. A second offense likely would rise to a felony, which would usually lead to a state prison sentence.

How long do you get for indecent exposure?

two yearsSomeone who commits exposure can be sentenced for up to two years in prison. Some people who commit this offence show their genitals very quickly before covering them or running away – which is where the term 'flashing' comes from.

What indecent exposure means?

Revealing one's genitals under circumstances likely to offend others. Exposure is indecent under the law whenever a reasonable person would or should know that his act may be seen by others--for example, in a public place or through an open window--and that it is likely to cause affront or alarm.

Is not wearing a bra indecent exposure?

As well, the law defines indecent exposure as exposing your naked genitals. This means that it is not indecent exposure if you expose your underwear or a bare breast. California indecent exposure law specifies that indecent exposure happens in the presence of another person who might be annoyed or offended by it.

What classes are indecent exposure?

Indecent exposure refers to the act of purposefully displaying or revealing one's genitals, or sexually pleasuring oneself, in a public place or in view of one or more members of the general public. The offence is sometimes informally referred to as “flashing”.

Can you go to jail for exposing someone UK?

The maximum penalty for possession of indecent photographs of children is five years in prison. Creation and distribution of such photographs carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. If anyone has been a victim of this kind of behaviour they should get in touch with the police immediately.

What Does The Prosecutor Have to Prove?

In order to secure a conviction for indecent exposure, the prosecutor must produce evidence sufficient to prove to a judge or jury, beyond a reason...

What Is A “Public Place?"

While this definition varies by state, exposure in places accessible to the general public, such as roads, stores, parks, and restaurants certainly...

What If No One Sees The Defendant’S Private Parts?

In many states, the law does not require actual observation of the defendant’s private parts. Rather, the law considers whether a reasonable person...

When Is Public Exposure A Felony?

Conviction of a first offense for indecent exposure is usually a misdemeanor. However, repeat misdemeanor offenses can result in a felony convictio...

What to do if you face indecent exposure?

If you face the criminal charge of indecent exposure, you must act immediately to prevent the charge morphing into a career ending conviction. At Capetillo Law Firm, indecent exposure attorney Adam Capetillo will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case to determine the most effective course of legal action.

Is public property illegal in Texas?

Texas includes legal language in the same penal code addressing indecent exposure and public lewdness. The Lone Star State makes it illegal for anyone to engage in the public lewdness acts of sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, and sexual contact of any kind. Texas law pertaining to public lewdness was written broadly to include sexual behavior committed in public places or even in a private location where one or more people were offended by the acts of public lewdness. According to Texas property statutes, public property encompasses anywhere where “the public or a substantial group of the public has access, including common areas of apartment complexes.”

What happens if you don't commit indecent exposure?

Don’t assume that if you didn’t commit indecent exposure, the court will accept the facts of your case. An indecent exposure charge is a legal emergency. It makes good sense to create a defense with an experienced criminal defense attorney now. Your attorney may be able to make the charge go away or have penalties for the alleged offense reduced.

How long do you go to jail for indecent exposure?

You may face a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, you face up to 180 days in jail and/or a maximum $2,000 fine.

What is the purpose of indecent exposure?

Because of this, the law lessens the mens rea from the defendant’s knowing to recklessness –he or she doesn’t know or care if another individual present might experience alarm or offense at the actions.

How does a criminal record affect your life?

Your criminal record will meaningfully affect the rest of your life. It may affect where you work or where you live. It can impact relationships with friends and family members. Either way, you don’t want to live the rest of your days as a registered sex offender.

Is second indecent exposure a felony?

However, a second indecent exposure offense can mean felony charges punishable by more time behind bars and significant fines. If you’re accused of indecent exposure before a child less than 17 years of age, you may face indecency with a child by exposure, a felony offense. In any of these situations, you may be required to register as ...

Can a Houston criminal defense attorney handle an indecent exposure case?

Not all Houston criminal defense attorneys have what it takes to gain control of an often highly-charged indecent exposure case. However, if you or someone you care about has been accused of indecent exposure or public lewdness, this isn’t a time to go it alone.

Is intoxication a defense to an indecent exposure charge?

For instance, he or she may lack the mental capacity to understand it’s socially unacceptable to urinate in a public place. Intoxication, while not a standard defense to an indecent exposure charge, may be considered a mitigating factor by the court.

What is indecent exposure?

Indecent exposure is the intentional exposure of one’s private parts in public. Laws prohibiting indecent exposure vary throughout the country, but share many similarities. Indecent exposure is the intentional exposure of one's private parts in public. Laws prohibiting indecent exposure vary throughout the country, but share many similarities.

What are the elements of an indecent exposure charge?

These components, called the "elements" of the offense, vary by state, but usually include the following: Exposure of private body parts.

What is the law that requires a person to have a sexual motivation?

Lack of sexual motivation. Some indecent exposure laws require that the defendant have a sexual motivation, also called "lascivious intent.". Under such a statute, a person who urinates in public, for example, without the intent to arouse sexual desire or gratification, would not be guilty of indecent exposure.

What does a lawyer do for a felony?

A lawyer also can sometimes assist with reaching a plea agreement, which eliminates the requirement that the defendant register as a sexual offender.

What is willful exposure?

Exposure that is willful. This means the person must intend the exposure of private parts. For example, if a person jumps into a swimming pool and the force of the water on the bathing suit causes an accidental and unintended exposure, this requirement would not be satisfied. Exposure in a public place.

What are the components of a criminal offense?

These components, called the "elements" of the offense, vary by state, but usually include the following: Exposure of private body parts. Whether a state's law uses the term "private parts" or some other term, it usually refers to male and female genitals, male and female buttocks, and female breasts. However, exposure of the buttocks alone is not ...

What is an example of an inadvertent exposure?

For example, dressing in a bathroom without knowledge that a window curtain is open, thereby creating visibility to someone outside the room, might show a lack of intent by the defendant.

How to prove indecent exposure?

To prove that you are guilty of “indecent exposure,” the prosecutor has to prove the following facts or elements 1: The defendant willfully exposed his/her genitals in the presence of another person or persons. The exposure cannot be accidental.

What is the difference between indecent exposure and lewd conduct in public?

The difference between “indecent exposure” and “lewd conduct in public” is the requirement in the latter offense that the perpetrator actually touches him/herself or another person in public with sexual intent.

What is the Penal Code 314?

How Does Penal Code 314 PC Define Indecent Exposure? California Penal Code Section 314 — California’s law on indecent exposure defines the offense as willful exposure of one’s genitals to another person, for the purpose of either gratifying oneself or offending the other person.

What is a lewd conduct charge?

Pursuant to Penal Code Section 647 (a), if anyone solicits another person to engage in lewd conduct in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view, he/she can be charged with this offense. An example of lewd conduct would be sexual intercourse on a public beach.

What is the California Penal Code Section 314?

California Penal Code Section 314: California’s Penal Code Section 314: Every person who willfully and lewdly, either: 1. Exposes his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where there are present other persons to be offended or annoyed thereby; or, 2. Procures, counsels, or assists any person so ...

Why is the woman's costume not indecent?

The woman fixed her costume right away. Because the exposure was only accidental rather than willful or intentional, it is not indecent exposure.

What happens if there is insufficient evidence?

If there is insufficient evidence for a prosecutor to show that you in fact committed the crime of indecent exposure, you cannot be convicted of the crime. It was too dark for the victim to clearly identify the perpetrator.

What is indecent exposure?

Indecent exposure in Texas is defined as an individual who – unbidden – exposes his or her own genitalia or anus to someone else with the specific intention of arousing or sexually gratifying himself, herself, or anyone else in the process.

How long is indecent exposure in jail?

A first-time charge for indecent exposure is likely to leave you facing a relatively lenient Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,000. If the charge is your second, however, you could find yourself facing a felony charge, which means more time behind bars and steeper fines.

Is it against the law to expose yourself?

Exposing yourself in any way that is deemed indecent in the eyes of the law is against the law, and a conviction for indecent exposure comes with hefty fines and harsh penalties. This is not to mention the immense social stigma involved. If you find yourself facing a charge of indecent exposure, you should not delay consulting with an experienced ...

Is indecency with a child a felony?

If your indecent exposure is alleged to focus on a child who is not yet 17, the charge can be elevated to indecency with a child by exposure, which is also a felony offense.