East Bay Indecent Exposure Charges
Call Our Walnut Creek Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Is it illegal to be naked in public? Not entirely, but the legal code surrounding
it is highly complicated, and if you expose yourself in a public space,
odds are you will be arrested and charged with indecent exposure. The
laws surrounding this charge are both very broad and simultaneously vague,
allowing for nearly any form of public nudity to be grounds for an arrest.
A legal professional will be able to help you navigate the legal code and
assist you in orchestrating an informed and effective defense. The Cardoza
Law Offices are a Walnut Creek criminal defense law firm with a long history
of criminal defense successes, giving them the experience you need to
properly navigate your case both in and outside the courtroom.
If you are facing public indecency charges, call the Cardoza Law Offices
at (925) 274-2900 to schedule your appointment with our
Walnut Creek criminal defense lawyer today.
Was your exposure actually indecent?
The vague nature of the law makes it very easy to be arrested, but the
intent with which the nudity took place will ultimately determine guilt
and therefore any penalties. A skilled lawyer will help you use the facts
and evidence from your case in your defense.
The exact definition of the crime comes from California Penal Code 314
PC, which states that:
- You willfully exposed your genitals…
- In the presence of someone who may be offended by your actions, and…
- You intended to direct public attention to your genitals for the purpose
of sexually offending someone else, or sexually gratifying yourself or
someone else.
Therefore, while you can almost always be arrested for indecent exposure
with nearly any form of nudity (since motive is hard to prove at the scene),
the law provides a number of possible defenses you and your lawyer can
use to help get your case dismissed or reduced.
Penalties for indecent exposure can vary depending on the presence of any
aggravating factors, past criminal history, and a repeat offender status.
For a first charge, generally a misdemeanor, you could be facing up to
six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, as with any
sex offense, you will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of your
life, and you will be subject to the legally-imposed restrictions this
carries for employment and residency as well.
Contact The Cardoza Law Offices today and receive a
free consultation to start assembling your defense.