Indecent Exposure Lawyer in Long Beach

In the relatively recent past, it was considered to be scandalous if a woman were to go out in public wearing clothes that left her ankles or shoulders bare. Attitudes have shifted dramatically on this issue, but it is still generally agreed that it is unacceptable to be seen in public with one's genitals exposed to view.

What Constitutes Indecent Exposure?

This is generally the criterion for a charge of indecent exposure as it is provided for under California state law. Strictly speaking, the legal definition of indecent exposure is to expose one's person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place or in any place where others who are present are likely to be offended or annoyed thereby.

Indecent exposure is not merely being nude in public. For example, breastfeeding in public is legal. Sunbathing in the nude is also not likely to result in a charge of indecent exposure, provided that it occurs in a place where others are not likely to be found or where it is customary. You are not likely to be convicted of indecent exposure if you have a "wardrobe malfunction," or if you were attempting to discreetly change but were accidentally seen.

The fundamental aspect of an indecent exposure offense is that the perpetrator had the intention of exposing himself or herself and that the exposure had the purpose of lewdness or of annoying others.

Consequences of a Conviction

Under most circumstances, indecent exposure is charged as a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If, however, you are accused of committing the crime after entering a house or the inhabited portion of a building without the consent of those within, you can be charged with a felony and sentenced to prison. A repeat offense is also charged as a felony. Indecent exposure is also a registerable sex crime, so you would be required to register as a sex offender upon your release from jail or prison. You simply have too much at stake to take any chances with the outcome of this situation. Bring the case to a Long Beach criminal defense attorney at West Coast Defense for aggressive legal representation from a former prosecutor.

Contact us at (800) 922-6989 to schedule a no-cost consultation and case review.