Indecent exposure involves showing an individual’s sexual organs to the public. Acts of indecent exposure can be startling and offensive to the public, but not all claimed acts of exposure reflect the truth. A charge of indecent exposure can cause issues that impact an individual’s future, especially altering their credibility when the case involves the court, which publishes their verdict in public record. Acquiring a skilled Tacoma indecent exposure lawyer gives defendants the chance to reclaim some integrity and can also lessen the charges they face if the court dismisses any possibility of acquittal.
What Counts as Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure entails explicitly revealing one’s sexual organs within a public setting. This only applies to bare skin exposure and does not include the showing of one’s underwear. These cases are based in the inappropriate nature of the act, citing several qualifying reasonings behind the action: sexual arousal and/or gratification and offending others. Certain ambiguous acts, like urinating in a secluded location, require close examination of the state’s laws. Some acts are not inherently sexual, and defendants might actively seek unpopulated areas to complete activities like urination. These cases benefit from a Tacoma criminal defense attorney’s aid.
Penalties for Indecent Exposure
A charge of indecent exposure commonly equates to some degree of misdemeanor offense. Misdemeanors result in up to one year of jail time and/or a fine. Additional offenses will likely increase the defendant’s charge, typically warranting a felony charge. Felony charges come with at least one year in jail and associated fines.
Another unavoidable consequence of indecent exposure is the court registering the defendant as a sex offender. This label follows you through life and is public record, meaning every employer and/or neighbor could potentially know that you’re a registered sex offender. The worst part about this label is that it doesn’t come with an explanation. A defendant could have been urinating in public without any sort of sexual gratification or motive, but this would not be reflected in the sex offender registry.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A defendant can make a plea bargain to prevent the court from charging as harshly. Plea bargains occur before a trial, which can be helpful in some cases because it removes the stress of having to defend oneself in court. While negotiating a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a smaller charge than the charge that would result if they stood trial. Plea bargains exchange defendant compliance for removing certain additional charges – like sex offender registration – from their sentence altogether.
The availability of a plea bargain depends on certain factors.
- How severe and/or intentional the crime was
- The quality of evidence associated with the case
- The probability that the court will rule the defendant as guilty
Why Hire a Tacoma Indecent Exposure Attorney?
An attorney can represent you in an indecent exposure case by helping you gather evidence in your favor. For example, the following situations could support your case:
- You did not expose your bare genitals.
- You were not in the presence of another individual.
- Your exposure was not preplanned, consensual, or willful.
- You did not intend to offend the public or act with sexual motives.
If you hire a Tacoma indecent exposure lawyer, you acquire the resources and tools in their arsenal that can help you prove that you were not indecently exposed under circumstances that qualify for severe punishment. The expertise that an attorney provides can be priceless when attempting to clear your name in the court.
When being charged for indecent exposure, an attorney can help you plead your case with solid evidence. Whether bargaining a plea deal or fighting the charge altogether, enlisting the help of a skilled defense attorney can benefit you in the long run. Contact our office today and schedule a free initial consultation.