A Denver firefighter was recently arrested for Indecent Exposure after masturbating in a public place. According to the news report, a man and his girlfriend saw the firefighter masturbating inside a store. Apparently, the firefighter was walking around the store holding his private parts the entire time. An off duty police officer tried to stop the firefighter, but his commands were ignored. The firefighter attempted to drive away, but the local security vehicle blocked his car and the man was arrested for Indecent Exposure.
Larimer County Indecent Exposure Attorney: What is the Definition of Indecent Exposure?
The Colorado law definition of Indecent Exposure – C.R.S. 18-7-302 – is:
(a) If he or she knowingly exposes his or her genitals to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person;
(b) If he or she knowingly performs an act of masturbation in a manner which exposes the act to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.
The thing you have to realize about Indecent Exposure is that it can be charged even if no private parts are exposed. If a man has his hands down his pants making movements that appear to simulate masturbation, it does not matter if his genitals are ever exposed. If the assumption is that he is masturbating, then Indecent Exposure is charged. Something I find incredibly unfair is that masturbating in public is Indecent Exposure and a sex offense, but having sex in public is Public Indecency and not a sex offense. How does that work? Aren’t they basically the same thing? I think the lawmakers might have been a little overzealous when they were making those decisions.
[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Have you been charged with Indecent Exposure? Contact the experienced attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today![/pullquote]
Fort Collins Indecent Exposure Lawyer: What is the Punishment / Sentence for Indecent Exposure?
As a class 1 misdemeanor in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Indecent Exposure is punishable by 6 to 18 months in the Larimer County Jail and up to $5,000 in fines. It is also considered a sex offense, which means a person convicted of this crime will be required to register as a sex offender and complete sex offender treatment under the SOMB – Sex Offender Management Board. Anytime sex offender registration is a potential outcome, there is a lot to lose. If you are facing this crime, we want to help protect you and your future.