Indecent Exposure Charges

Orange County Sex Crime Attorney

Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor sex crime found under California Penal Code § 314. It is defined as willfully and lewdly exposing one's person/private parts in any public place, or in a place where anyone else present could be offended or annoyed. This includes having someone do so or encouraging them to do so. As a misdemeanor sex crime, indecent exposure is not nearly as serious as a felony sex crime such as sexual battery or statutory rape. Even so, the penalties can have a lasting effect on your quality of life.

The penalties for a conviction of indecent exposure include a fine of up to $1,000 and a possible jail sentence of up to 6 months. However, anyone who is charged with a sex offense, even one as "minor" as indecent exposure, will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life. They must provide their name and address so that their location and conviction is available for public view at all times. This will appear in any background check and will have a serious, detrimental effect on the person's ability to get a job, acquire housing, or apply for a loan of any kind.

Aggravated Cases of Indecent Exposure

The crime for indecent exposure can become aggravated if it is a repeat offense, or if it is committed in conjunction with trespassing. Any second or subsequent indecent exposure conviction will be charged and convicted as a felony offense and could result in a state prison sentence. If the alleged offender is found guilty of entering someone's home or trailer before committing the act, it is also a felony with serious criminal consequences. Felonies are far more serious than misdemeanors, so do not take chances if you have been arrested for a repeat or aggravated offense of indecent exposure.

The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman Can Help

Sex crime charges are some of the most serious and damaging criminal charges a person can face. Even if your charges are dropped or your case is dismissed, your arrest and charge will still appear in a background check. Many employers don't care that you were not convicted and will refuse to hire you. Your reputation could be permanently damaged by an arrest or a conviction unless you hire a skilled Orange County criminal defense attorney to fight your case. That is why you should not hesitate to call The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman. The firm has successfully handled numerous sex crime cases and has practiced criminal defense in Orange County for more than 30 years. Contact their offices at your earliest convenience to take advantage of a free case evaluation and find out what they can do to defend you from charges of indecent exposure.