Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles

Have You Been Accused of Indecent Exposure in Los Angeles?

Indecent exposure involves the deliberate exposure of one’s genitals or private parts in public settings or a private home, causing offense or alarm. Factors like alcohol, narcotics, and mental illness can exacerbate such behavior. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, leading individuals to engage in reckless or inappropriate acts they might otherwise avoid. Similarly, individuals with certain mental illnesses may experience distorted perceptions of social norms or impulse control issues, increasing the likelihood of engaging in indecent exposure.

Individuals facing indecent exposure charges should contact a lawyer immediately to ensure their rights are protected. Our skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP can provide crucial legal guidance and representation throughout the legal process. Criminal cases involve high stakes. But when you choose Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, you will benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience of our attorneys leveraged to your advantage, including Alan Jackson’s renowned work in sex crime defense.

Call us at (213) 688-0460 for a confidential consultation and proactive defense strategy.

Indecent Exposure Charges in Los Angeles–What Is the Crime?

For the prosecuting attorney to successfully convict a person accused of this crime, several facts must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, including:

• The person exposed their genitals or private parts, including the breasts or buttocks, in a public setting or private home.
• The person acted willfully.
• The act was committed with the intent to direct the attention of others for sexual gratification or with the intent to offend another person.

California Law and Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure is defined under the California Penal Code 314 as follows:

“Every person who willfully and lewdly, either:

1. Exposes his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where there are present other persons to be offended or annoyed thereby; or,
2. Procures, counsels, or assists any person so to expose himself or take part in any model artist exhibition, or to make any other exhibition of himself to public view, or the view of any number of persons, such as is offensive to decency, or is adapted to excite to vicious or lewd thoughts or acts, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”

What Are the Penalties for Indecent Exposure?

Indecent exposure charges may be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties for misdemeanor indecent exposure can include up to six months in county jail, along with fines of up to $1,000. An indecent exposure charge after a prior conviction for the offense may be filed as a felony, with lengthy prison sentences and fines of up to $10,000.

Additionally, under California Penal Code Section 288, when an act of indecent exposure involves a child under the age of 15 and involves the intent to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the lust, passion, or sexual desires of oneself or the child, felony charges will be filed, with penalties of three, six, or eight years in state prison.

In either case, a conviction is likely to include required registration as a sex offender. Even for a misdemeanor conviction, you may be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. If you are accused of this offense, it is not a minor legal problem, and the actions you take after an arrest can make the difference between freedom and a future changed forever.

Taking Action Against Accusations

If accused of indecent exposure, take immediate steps to protect your rights and interests.

• Remain calm: It’s crucial to maintain composure and avoid impulsive action when accused of indecent exposure. Panicking can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that could harm your case.
• Keep silent: Refrain from discussing the case with anyone, including friends, family, or law enforcement officers. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court, so it’s essential to exercise your right to remain silent until you’ve consulted with a qualified attorney.
• Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP: Contact our firm as soon as possible to consult with a reputable Los Angeles indecent exposure defense attorney who can assess your case and help you understand your rights.
• Gather evidence: Work with your lawyer to collect any relevant evidence that could support your defense, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or alibis. It’s essential to preserve evidence that could help refute the accusations against you and strengthen your case.

During this process, it’s important to follow your attorney’s advice and instructions diligently. Our skilled litigators at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP will guide you through the legal proceedings, advocate on your behalf, and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

The Hardships of Being Accused

Being accused of indecent exposure can lead to profound social and personal hardships. The stigma attached to such accusations can damage one’s reputation irreparably, causing strain on personal relationships and jeopardizing career prospects. Facing public scrutiny and judgment can result in isolation and emotional distress.

Moreover, the mere accusation can lead to immediate consequences, such as suspension from employment or loss of community standing. The burden of going through legal proceedings while dealing with the emotional toll of the accusations can be overwhelming. Those accused of indecent exposure often experience profound disruption to their lives, facing challenges that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Knowing Your Constitutional Rights

When facing indecent exposure charges, you possess fundamental constitutional rights essential to a fair trial. These rights include the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, you have the right to legal representation, including the right to a strong defense mounted by a competent Los Angeles indecent exposure defense lawyer from Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP.

The right to legal counsel acts to safeguard the additional constitutional rights of accused individuals throughout the criminal justice process. This fundamental right empowers accused individuals to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present their case effectively.

Common Errors by Law Enforcement

Law enforcement may commit errors during an indecent exposure arrest, including misidentification of suspects, flawed evidence collection, or procedural missteps. These errors can jeopardize the integrity of the case and lead to wrongful convictions.

Defense lawyers must scrutinize evidence and procedural practices rigorously. Challenging these errors can uncover inconsistencies, unreliable witness testimony, or violations of the accused’s rights, leading to favorable outcomes for the defense. Vigilance in addressing law enforcement mistakes is paramount to upholding justice and safeguarding the accused against unjust prosecution.

Constructing a Strong Defense

Building a robust defense against indecent exposure charges requires the assistance of a competent and experienced sex crime defense lawyer. To cultivate a strategic defense, Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP will gather compelling evidence, such as alibis, surveillance footage, or character witnesses, to challenge the prosecution’s case. Witness testimonies can provide crucial support in establishing your innocence or casting doubt on the accuracy of the accusations.

Additionally, thorough investigation and scrutiny of the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses are essential to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be exploited in court. By employing these strategies and leveraging available resources, we will construct a formidable defense that gives you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

Your Legal Allies After an Arrest for Indecent Exposure in Los Angeles

Being arrested and charged with indecent exposure is a frightening and humiliating experience. Your first action should be to engage legal representation from a Los Angeles sex crime defense lawyer who has an extensive record of positive case outcomes. The quality, experience, and talents of your attorney play a major role in what happens next. The earlier Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP gets involved, the better. Our efforts to have the case dismissed or your charges reduced could save you from experiencing a legal nightmare and facing severe consequences.

When you are represented by Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, you get an entire legal team behind you. Rather than having a single attorney, you have a team of legal professionals who have your back, ready to fight for your rights and freedom.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is proud to have achieved many stunning victories in challenging sex crime cases. If you’re facing sex crime charges involving indecent exposure, call us for a free initial case consultation at (213) 688-0460 today.

Additional Information

• What You Need to Know About the Sex Offender Registry