when charged with indecent exposure should you get a lawyer nyc

by Barney Nienow 5 min read

If you find yourself facing a charge of indecent exposure, you should not delay consulting with an experienced Coryell County criminal attorney. Is It Indecent Exposure? The law can be quite prudish, and something that you might consider to be a case of letting your hair down may be regarded by the law as full-on indecent exposure.

If you have been charged with this offense, it is important to ensure you best possible outcome for your case by consulting with an experienced New York Sex Crime Attorney from the Stephen Bilkis and Associates team. The crime of indecent exposure is one of many different sex crimes that is committed against children.

Full Answer

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.

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.

Is exposure of a person a crime in New York?

... New York criminalizes exposure of a person, one of several offenses "against public sensibilities," where a person appears in a public place and exposes (or does not clothe) the private or intimate parts of his or her body.

What is the difference between public lewdness and indecent exposure?

Another difference between the two is that public lewdness requires the intent to be observed public, something that does not apply to the exposure of a person offense. The chart below contains additional information on New York's laws relating to indecent exposure.

What happens if charged with indecent exposure?

A person who is convicted of indecent exposure is most likely to receive a fine and community order rather than a prison sentence. However, for repeat offenders or more serious cases, a prison sentence of up to 24 months can be imposed.

Is indecent exposure a crime in New York?

In New York Indecent Exposure, or exposing a person's genitals, is a crime under three different statutes in the Penal Law. These charges are called: Exposure of a Person (Penal Law Section 245.01), Public Lewdness (Penal Law Section 245.00), AND.

What is considered indecent exposure in NYC?

§ 245.01 Exposure of a person - P.L. 245.01 (PDF) A person is guilty of exposure if he appears in a public place in such a manner that the private or intimate parts of his body are unclothed or exposed.

What sentence does indecent exposure carry?

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.

Can you go to jail for exposing someone?

Someone convicted of felony indecent exposure can be subjected to any or all of the following penalties: Incarceration. Sentences may involve time in the county jail, or one or more years in state prison, depending on the state. The judge may require that the entire sentence be served in jail.

Is nudism legal in New York?

Mr. Barry: No, it doesn't apply necessarily to private places, but the law in New York City under Section 245.01 prevents people or is intended to prevent people from toplessness, particularly women, in public places.

Is indecent exposure a serious crime?

A conviction for exposure (previously known as indecent exposure) will potentially have very serious consequences including a conviction for a sexual offence, a requirement to sign on as a registered sex offender and a possible prison sentence.

Does indecent exposure lead to worse crimes?

One 2014 evidence review found that 5 to 10% of flashers escalated their behaviour to more serious sexual offences.

What is classed as 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”.

What is the burden of proof in an indecent exposure case?

The prosecution will also have to prove that the accused had reckless disregard toward another person who could have been offended or alarmed by the exposure.

How long is indecent exposure a felony in Texas?

If you’re convicted of this crime, you can be sentenced up to 180 days in ja il, and fined up to $2,000.

Can you be charged with indecent exposure?

Just because you are charged with indecent exposure, it doesn’t mean that you’re guilty of the crime. Even if you’re demonized in the public eye, a good defense attorney is able to defend against an indecent exposure charge in different ways in order to help you maintain your freedom and regain your reputation as an outstanding citizen.

Is indecent exposure a serious offense?

While it might not seem like a serious offense, a charge of indecent exposure is a sexual crime that can carry serious penalties. Simply put, if you’re not taking this seriously yet, you should be. The consequences of being labeled a sexual predator will have lifelong ramifications that will haunt you for the remainder of your life if not handled quickly, professionally, and properly.

Is insanity a defense?

While it is uncommon, insanity may also be a defense. If the accused suffers from a mental illness that prohibits him or her from being held accountable for his or her actions, a good defense attorney can present evidence of the same, and argue that the person doesn’t meet the elements of the crime.

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 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 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.