Indecent exposure is an offense that continually makes news headlines, whether the act was accidental or intentional. Charges can result from any situation where genitals are exposed to another person. Just a few weeks ago, a Colorado man was arrested for indecent exposure after allegedly inappropriately touching himself and running after a female jogger on a popular trail. After local police reviewed camera footage, the suspect was quickly located and taken into custody. Due to the potential consequences of charges such as these, hiring an expert indecent exposure lawyer is critical for those facing accusations.
Colorado Indecent Exposure Definition
C.R.S. 18-7-302 defines the conduct of indecent exposure in Boulder County and throughout the state of Colorado. There are several different actions that can result in an indecent exposure charge, some that aren’t as obvious as others. Generally, it is unlawful to:
- knowingly show one’s genitals to another person,
- in situations likely to offend or alarm a person,
- with the intention of arousing or satisfying someone’s sexual desires
Masturbating in public or even pretending to masturbate in public is another action that can lead to an indecent exposure charge. Location and intent tend to be large determining factors in these types of cases. In the story linked above, a public jogging trail is clearly a place where someone might be offended or alarmed by nudity. However, other locations such as backyards may not necessarily cause alarm or offend another.
Indecent Exposure Penalty in Colorado
The legal consequences of committing indecent exposure in Colorado depend on a defendant’s prior criminal history. As a first-time offense, indecent exposure is a class 1 misdemeanor in Boulder. Conviction can result in up to a year and a half in county jail, as well as fines of up to $5,000. After two prior convictions of indecent exposure or a related crime, the offense becomes a class 6 felony. Other impactful penalties include sex offender registration and sex offender treatment / supervised probation. Job loss, difficulty finding employment / housing, social stigma, and significant restrictions on your whereabouts can all become especially adverse side effects of a conviction or guilty plea. Consult an experienced indecent exposure lawyer so that these ramifications don’t become your reality.
How to Fight a Colorado Indecent Exposure Charge
The best way to fight a charge of indecent exposure in Boulder or Louisville is to hire an experienced defense attorney. An expert indecent exposure lawyer can prove to be invaluable when it comes to the outcome of a case. Additionally, it is essential that anyone facing an accusation or charge exercise their right to remain silent. Providing statements of any kind to law enforcement or investigators can only hurt your case. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our reputable sex crime attorneys. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and outline productive next steps.
If you or someone you know is facing a indecent exposure charge, be smart. Contact the aggressive criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Pexels – Tirachard Kumtanom
