Indecent exposure sounds like a minor crime, but it is actually a very serious offense that can result in your being labeled a sex offender. If you have been accused of indecent exposure, it is critical you contact a top Vista criminal attorney as soon as possible to start building a defense against these charges.

While this crime is only a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in prison and $1,000 in fines, it is considered a sex crime worth of lifetime registration on the sex offender list. That means that you will be punished for that one mistake for the rest of your life. Take it from a Vista criminal lawyer, you absolutely do not want to be convicted of indecent exposure. Additionally, a second conviction for indecent exposure is a felony an may result in a state prison sentence.

For the prosecution to convict you of indecent exposure, they must prove that you willingly exposed yourself in public with the specific intent to bring attention to your genitals. Additionally, they must be able to show that the exposure was for the purpose of sexual arousal, making a sexual insult at another person or to offend someone.

That last parts are often critical in the defense against this crime as many people arrested for streaking or public urination are charged with indecent exposure when the intent was either a bit of light-hearted fun or simply to relieve oneself. In many cases, your intent will be at the crux of the issue. A Vista criminal attorney like Peter M. Liss can work to uncover witnesses, psychologists and more to show that you were not acting in a sexual or intentionally offensive manner, even if you were exposed to the public.

In many cases, this crime is charged in conjunction with lewd conduct. For example, people caught having sex at nude beaches are commonly prosecuted for both indecent exposure and lewd conduct.  This makes it even more important to contact a Vista sex crimes lawyer who can help you fight any and all charges related to your arrest.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free initial consultation with a top Vista defense lawyer, please call (760) 643-4050.

Creative Commons Image by Jonas Bengtsson