Fort Collins Public Indecency Attorney
Is Public Indecency a Sex Offense in Larimer County?

Is Public Indecency a sex offense in Loveland and Fort Collins? Click here to find out! If you've been charged with a crime, call the O'Malley Law Office!

Public Indecency in Fort Collins and Larimer County often involves public nudity, which usually begs the question, “Is it a sex offense?” Let’s take a closer look at the elements of this crime and find out whether a Public Indecency requires a person to register as a sex offender.

 Lawyer for Public Indecency Charges in Loveland: Colorado Law Definition

The Loveland, Colorado law definition of Public Indecency – C.R.S. 18-7-301 – is:

(1) Any person who performs any of the following in a public place or where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by members of the public commits public indecency:

(a) An act of sexual intercourse; or

(b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2010, (HB 10-1334), ch. 359, p. 1707, § 1, effective August 11, 2010.)

(c) A lewd exposure of an intimate part as defined by section 18-3-401 (2) of the body, not including the genitals, done with intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person; or

(d) A lewd fondling or caress of the body of another person; or

(e) A knowing exposure of the person’s genitals to the view of a person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.

Even if something like having intercourse or fondling another happens in a private car, if the vehicle is in view of the public, then a Public Indecency charge could be filed.

Colorado Sex Crimes Charges: Intimate Parts Defined

An important definition in this statute is intimate parts. ‘Intimate parts’ is defined by Colorado law as:

the external genitalia or the perineum or the anus or the buttocks or the pubes or the breast of any person

Obviously, excluding the genitals per statute, intimate parts under subsection (c) includes the butt or boobs. Basically, flashing or mooning someone could result in a charge under this subsection.

Sentence for Public Indecency in Larimer County, Colorado

Public indecency is a petty offense. This level offense is punishable by up to 10 days in the Larimer County Jail.

Is Public Indecency a Sex Offense in Colorado?

The short answer – not anymore! Previously if a person had two Public Indecency offenses within 5 years or had three or more Public Indecency convictions, then the person would be required to register as a sex offender. The statute previously read:

Public indecency, committed in violation of section 18-7-301 (2)(b), C.R.S., if a second offense is committed within five years of the previous offense or a third or subsequent offense is committed

The statute no longer has a subsection (2)(b), so that requirement has been removed. Because it did previously exist, there may be people still currently registering as a sex offender for this crime, even though it is no longer a part of the law.


If you or someone you love has been charged with Public Indecency, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

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