Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Attorney

Defending Against Indecent Exposure Charges in California

While some people may find it funny, indecent exposure is no laughing matter. In fact, indecent exposure is considered a serious sex crime in California that not only comes with jail time but also lifetime sex registration.

No matter what the behavior was that resulted in the arrest or the charges being filed, every person has a right to defend themselves. You want the lawyers at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners in your corner to fight your indecent exposure charges.

Request a confidential FREE consultation today with our Los Angeles indecent exposure lawyer at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners!

What is Indecent Exposure?

Indecent exposure is the willful exposing of the private parts of a person for purposes of sexual gratification under circumstances where someone could be offended or annoyed.

Behavior that can lead to indecent exposure charges include:

• A man walks out of the dressing room with a polo shirt and no underwear. He walks around and stands in front of the store’s mirror.
• A man parks his car near an all-girls school with an open passenger door. He sits in the driver’s seat and masturbates.
• A young teenage boy runs naked in front of the local church as the parishioners exit the church.

What are the Penalties For Indecent Exposure in California?

Indecent exposure is charged as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders and is punishable by up to six (6) months in county jail, fines and lifetime sex registration. Felony indecent exposure is charged when the accused has a prior indecent exposure conviction or a conviction for lewd & lascivious acts with a minor (Penal Code 288, commonly referred to as Child Molestation / Child Abuse). It is punishable by up to 16 months to 3 years in county jail along with lifetime sex registration.

If the indecent exposure was committed in an inhabited dwelling house, trailer coach, or inhabited portion of any building when entry was made without consent it is considered “aggravated” indecent exposure and can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. The misdemeanor carries a punishment of up to one (1) year in county jail and lifelong sex registration. The felony is punishable by 16 months to 3 years in county jail along with lifetime sex registration and up to a $10,000 fine.

Common Defenses Against Indecent Exposure Charges

Common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: One of the crucial elements of an indecent exposure charge is the intent to sexually gratify oneself or offend another person. If the exposure was accidental or occurred without sexual intent, this may serve as a strong defense. For example, urinating in public without any intent to expose oneself for sexual reasons does not meet the legal definition of indecent exposure.
• Mistaken Identity: Indecent exposure charges often rely on eyewitness accounts, which can be unreliable due to the stressful nature of the incident or poor visibility at the time. Mistaken identity can be a powerful defense, especially if there is a lack of corroborating evidence, like surveillance footage.
• Insufficient Evidence: The burden of proof lies with the prosecution. If the evidence against you is weak, inconsistent, or circumstantial, it may not be sufficient to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. A seasoned attorney can identify gaps in the evidence and challenge its validity.
• False Accusation: In some instances, accusations of indecent exposure could be fabricated out of malice, revenge, or misunderstanding. An attorney can investigate the credibility of the accuser and expose inconsistencies in their testimony.
• Constitutional Violations: If your rights were violated during your arrest or investigation, such as unlawful search and seizure or failure to read your Miranda rights, this may lead to the suppression of evidence or dismissal of the case.
• Mental Health or Medical Conditions: Certain mental health problems or medical conditions, like involuntary actions caused by a neurological disorder, may explain the alleged behavior without criminal intent. Expert testimony can be used to support this defense.

Contact Our Indecent Exposure Lawyer in Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners understand the stress and confusion associated with a charge for indecent exposure. Call us to confidentially discuss your legal situation and learn what legal options are available to you. Don’t plead guilty of indecent exposure without first consulting with Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners.

Call us today to discuss your case with our Los Angeles indecent exposure attorney.