Boca Raton Defense Attorney Fighting Against Indecent Exposure Charges
While indecent exposure can be charged as a misdemeanor, any sort of criminal conviction for a sex crime in the state of Florida is something that should be taken seriously. The Rudman Law Group in Boca Raton was founded by former criminal prosecutor, Douglas Rudman. If you have been accused of a sex crime or need an indecent exposure lawyer, Mr. Rudman and his legal team can provide a rigorous and thorough criminal defense on your behalf.
Lewd Or Lascivious Exposure
In the state of Florida, it is against the law to expose your sexual organs in public in a vulgar or indecent manner. In addition, the exposure or nakedness must also have been in a lewd, vulgar, indecent, or lascivious manner. The courts have interpreted lewd and lascivious behavior to include intent. In other words, the prosecutor must prove that defendant had some sort of indulgent or lustful intent.
Therefore, sunbathing in the nude at the beach, or urinating in public would not be sufficient on its own to constitute indecent exposure. However, engaging in sexual activity in the nude in public could be considered indecent exposure. In addition, breastfeeding in public or even a clothing mishap that inadvertently exposes a sexual body part, also lack the criminal intent necessary to be found guilty of indecent exposure.
Indecent Exposure Penalties
Indecent exposure can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts and circumstances of each case. If you have exposed yourself and your genitals to someone over the age of 16, it is a first-degree misdemeanor. A conviction for a misdemeanor crime of indecent exposure could result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
If someone who is under the age of 18 engages in events that could constitute indecent exposure with an alleged victim under the age of 16, they could face felony charges in the third degree. A conviction could result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5000. If someone who is over the age of 18 exposes themselves to an alleged victim under the age of 16, they could face felony charges in the second degree, with up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Even if the charges you are facing are the lesser misdemeanor charge, it is still in your best interests to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience defending against various types of sex crimes and sexual misconduct. Hiring an attorney is the best way to make sure your rights are protected, and an attorney might be able to help you avoid jail time and potential registration on Florida’s list of registered sex offenders.
Charged With Indecent Exposure? Consult A Sex Offenses Attorney For Free.
The Rudman Law Group offers a free consultation appointment. To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your criminal charges, you can call 561-464-2615, or send an inquiry using the firm’s contact form. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, who used to be a criminal prosecutor will help ensure that your rights are protected and give you a better chance to preserve your freedom.