An indecent exposure charge can leave you feeling embarrassed and uncertain about the impact on your future. These charges may stem from a very silly and innocent actions. If you are facing an indecent exposure charge, it is a good idea to get the help of a lawyer in handling your case.
Handling Indecent Exposure Charges
What constitutes indecent exposure can vary greatly by state. Most indecent exposure cases will be handled by the state. Thus, you must look to your state's criminal code to understand the severity of your charges and possible consequences. Generally, such a charge is a misdemeanor unless enhancements apply. Some states impose more serious consequences if you expose yourself to a child or a minor.
Usually, the main requirements for proving an indecent exposure case include an actor exposing his or her private parts or genitals in a public place, intentionally or knowingly and another person actually seeing the exposure. Thus, if any of these elements are not present in your case, there is a chance that you have a good defense.
Some acts of public exposure are actually not criminal. For example, if you see a woman's breast because she is breast feeding her child, that is not considered a crime, even if some people find it offensive. There are also places in which it is legal to be nude in public. You should be aware of public ordinances in your jurisdiction before exposing yourself to be sure you do not end up facing indecent exposure charges.
What actually constitutes indecent exposure in a given jurisdiction will be determined by what the general public feels is indecent as long as it is within the law. This may seem like a difficult to define standard, and it is. That is why your case will likely hinge on what a jury considers to be indecent exposure and whether your acts fall into their idea of indecent exposure.
Getting Legal Help
To ensure that your case is handled properly, it is wise to get the help of a criminal defense attorney at the first sign of such charges. An attorney can help you prepare a viable defense or negotiate a plea. A lawyer who has experience trying a case of indecent exposure will have ideas about your defense that may not have occurred to you.