Los Angeles > Indecent Exposure

Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Attorney

Are or someone you know you facing criminal charges for indecent exposure in Los Angeles? If so, then you need the immediate assistance of a criminal defense attorney to assist you.

Ambrosio Rodriguez has over 18 years experience and is a former prosecutor. During his time as a Senior Deputy D.A., he led the Sex Abuse Unit. He understands how the prosecution builds a case against you, and will use this experience to defend you. If you are convicted of the crime of indecent exposure in Los Angeles you will face harsh criminal and non-criminal consequences, including jail time and a requirement to register as a sex offender. The earlier we can get involved in your case, the better your chances of achieving a positive outcome. Do not hesitate to call us today at (213) 995-6767 to set up your free consultation.

What is Indecent Exposure?

Elements of the Crime

In Los Angeles, it can be a crime to intentionally expose your genitals to another person in public. The crime, which is defined in California Penal Code Section 314 PC, can be charged when:

1. You intentionally expose your private parts in public or to another person;
2. That person would be offended or annoyed by this exposure; and
3. Your intended result was sexual gratification or offense.

Intent is Important

Your motivation behind the exposure is also important. You must have intentionally exposed yourself to another person for the purpose of sexual gratification or to offend another person. If you do not have this intent, you cannot be convicted for the crime of indecent exposure.

However, it is important to note that the crime of indecent exposure is broadly written, which means that it can apply in a wide range of situations. This includes situations where you are engaged in consensual sexual behavior in public or in view of the public. If the purpose for your exposure is sexual gratification, even if that gratification is for someone else, you may be vulnerable to criminal charges for indecent exposure.

You Don’t Have to be Seen

You can be charged with indecent exposure even if no one actually sees your genitals and/or private body parts. The fact that you intended for other people to see, and actively took steps to direct another person’s attention in your direction, is sufficient to warrant criminal charges.

Aggravated Indecent Exposure

If you follow another person into a home or dwelling without permission, and subsequently expose yourself, you can be charged with aggravated indecent exposure. This crime can be charged as a felony, which carries significantly harsher penalties.

What are the Penalties for Indecent Exposure?

Indecent exposure can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense in Los Angeles. The specific charge you will face will depend on the facts and circumstances of your specific case.

Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure

Most first-time indecent exposure offenders, and some aggravated indecent exposure offenders, will face misdemeanor charges. If you are convicted of misdemeanor indecent exposure your criminal penalty may include:

• Six months to one year in a Los Angeles County jail;
• $1,000 in fines; and
• A requirement to register with the state of California as a sex offender.

Felony Indecent Exposure

Subsequent or aggravated acts of indecent exposure can be charged as a felony. If you are convicted of felony indecent exposure your criminal penalty may include:

• 16 months, two years, or three years in a California state penitentiary;
• $10,000 in fines; and
• A requirement to register with the state of California as a sex offender.

Mandatory Registration as a Sex Offender

Indecent exposure is considered to be a sex crime under California’s penal code, which means it carries the same criminal penalties as many other sex crimes. This includes the requirement to register with the state as a sex offender for a minimum of ten years. When you are a registered sex offender in Los Angeles your ability to live, work, and enjoy the city will be extremely limited. In some cases, your child custody and/or visitation rights may also be rescinded if a court determines that contact with your child is not in that child’s best interest.

You can increase the chances of being required to register as a sex offender by hiring an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to handle your case. We will fight to get the charges against you reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed altogether. Contact us today for more information about how we may be able to help you.

Defenses to Indecent Exposure in Los Angeles

If you have been arrested and/or charged with indecent exposure in Los Angeles it does not necessarily mean that you will be convicted. The state will be required to prove each element of the crime and establish that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It can be difficult to satisfy this burden of proof, especially when your attorney argues legal defenses to cast doubt on your guilt. Defenses that can be argued in indecent exposure cases include:

• You did not intend to expose yourself to others;
• You did not intend to offend another person;
• You did not intend to sexually gratify yourself or another person;
• You have been falsely accused; and
• You have been falsely identified.

Experienced Los Angeles Sex Crimes Attorneys

If you are facing criminal charges for indecent exposure in Los Angeles do not hesitate to contact The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys today. We can help to minimize the the negative consequences of your arrest and help you avoid serious, life-changing penalties. If you are convicted for indecent exposure you will face time in jail and will be required to register as a sex offender for no less than ten years. This will affect you and your family, and make it incredibly difficult to live a normal life.

You have the power to fight the charges against you, and we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today to set up a free consultation. We will review your case, determine possible lines of defense, and explain your legal rights.