Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Indecent Exposure Charges in Colorado
If you have been charged with indecent exposure, you need an experienced Denver indecent exposure lawyer on your side as soon as possible to help defend you against these serious charges. At WeedenLaw, we understand the gravity of such allegations and are here to provide experienced legal support to navigate this complex situation.
Jeff Weeden, a knowledgeable and trusted criminal lawyer based in Denver, CO, can provide you with personalized and effective defense strategies tailored to the specifics of your sex crime case. We recognize that each indecent exposure situation is unique, and we are dedicated to addressing every aspect of your case with the utmost care and attention.
Call (720) 307-4330, email jlweeden@weedenlaw.com, or complete our online intake form today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled criminal lawyer on our team regarding your case.
What is an Indecent Exposure Charge in Colorado?
In Colorado, a person commits indecent exposure by knowingly exposing their genitals in a manner likely to cause alarm or offense to others and for the purpose of someone’s sexual gratification. It also includes knowingly performing an act of masturbation in a manner likely to cause affront or alarm to others.
Indecent exposure charges can carry severe consequences, including significant legal penalties and long-term impacts on your personal and professional life. Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Denver will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, and advocate vigorously on your behalf.
Indecent Exposure vs. Public Indecency
Indecent exposure and public indecency are similar criminal offenses but differ in their definitions and legal consequences. Indecent exposure involves exposing one’s genitals with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of any person, which is considered a more serious offense and can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges, along with mandatory sex offender registration.
On the other hand, public indecency charges are generally less severe and involve engaging in certain sexual acts in public, such as having sex in a car, but without the explicit intent to arouse. Public indecency is typically charged as a petty offense or a class 1 misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
Colorado Indecent Exposure Laws
According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-302, an act can be considered indecent exposure if:
- Someone exposes his or her genitals to another person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of any person
- Someone knowingly masturbates in front of another person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm
Examples of Indecent Exposure
Some more specific examples of indecent exposure in Colorado might include:
- Masturbating on public transit
- Streaking at a sporting event
- Exposing oneself over a webcam or video call without the other person’s consent
- Flashing genitals to passing cars
If a person exposes their genitals without the intent to arouse themselves or anyone else, it would likely constitute a public indecency charge under Colorado law. This would include acts such as public urination.
Is Indecent Exposure a Felony?
In Colorado, incident exposure is normally a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it can be classified as a Class 6 felony if you have 2 or more indecent exposure, public indecency, or related convictions on your criminal record.
In addition to longer jail times and steeper fines, felonies can carry additional harsh penalties and can affect your ability to gain employment, find housing, own firearms, and more. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case, especially if you have been convicted of indecent exposure in the past before.
What’s the Punishment for Indecent Exposure in Colorado?
As we mentioned above, indecent exposure can result in either a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 6 felony in Colorado, depending on the presence of any prior convictions of indecent exposure or any comparable offense.
As such, the punishments for an indecent exposure conviction in Colorado may include:
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or both
- Class 6 Felony: 1 year to 18 months in jail, $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, or both
Will You Become a Registered Sex Offender for Indecent Exposure?
Yes, if you are convicted of indecent exposure in Colorado, you are required to register as a sex offender. Sex offender registration can have long-term implications, including public disclosure of the offender’s status, restrictions on where you can live and work, and ongoing legal obligations.
If you want to avoid sex offender treatment in Colorado, it’s important to find a Denver criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience and a successful track record defending against sex crimes.
How To Prove Indecent Exposure
Prosecutors must prove indecent exposure by demonstrating that you knowingly exposed your genitals or engaged in masturbation in a way that was visible to others, and that it was under circumstances likely to cause alarm or offense. They must also establish that the exposure had sexual intent behind it, if your genitals were visible.
A skilled indecent exposure attorney will be able to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the alleged exposure or masturbation and challenge the prosecution’s case, including their evidence. This often includes things like witness testimony, video footage, or other documentation that can be used to support these claims.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Your Indecent Exposure Charges
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after being charged with indecent exposure is to hire an experienced Denver criminal defense lawyer to help your case. A criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate your case, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a strong defense on your behalf.
In some cases, your indecent exposure attorney may be able to secure a favorable plea bargain for you outside of court to ensure you avoid the worst punishments associated with indecent exposure charges, including sex offender registry. Your attorney may even be able to have your criminal case dismissed or dropped entirely.
At WeedenLaw, we’re dedicated to providing the residents of Denver and the surrounding areas with aggressive defense strategies against various criminal charges, including indecent exposure, public indecency, and other sex offense charges. Rest assured, our Denver sex crimes attorneys have what it takes to protect your rights, minimize potential penalties, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Call a Skilled Denver Indecent Exposure Defense Attorney at WeedenLaw Today
Indecent exposure charges can have serious consequences on your life, your freedom, and your reputation. If you have been accused of indecent exposure in Denver County, Adams County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, or any of the surrounding regions, we highly encourage you to contact a skilled Colorado criminal defense lawyer at WeedenLaw ASAP.
Our attorneys have experience handling indecent exposure cases, public indecency cases, and a variety of other sex crime cases. We also have a long list of successful case results, so you can rest easy knowing your case is in qualified hands.
At WeedenLaw, our legal team is committed to providing you with a strong defense that’s tailored to your specific case. We will carefully analyze any and all evidence, explore every legal option, and work tirelessly to protect your rights and future. Call our law office at (720) 307-4330 or contact us via our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney at no cost to you.
