Fort Collins Public Indecency Lawyer
FAQs Regarding Public Indecency Charges in Larimer County

If you've been charged with Public Indecency, be smart exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today!

Public Indecency is a crime charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County relating to exposing oneself in view of the public. Let’s answer some commonly asked questions regarding Public Indecency.

What is a Larimer County Public Indecency Charge?

The Larimer County, 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.

An act that meets the criteria of any of the above subsections would result in a Public Indecency charge.

Is Public Indecency a Misdemeanor or Felony in Loveland, Colorado?

Neither! Public Indecency is a petty offense crime in Loveland, Colorado. This level offense is punishable by up to 10 days in the Larimer County Jail and fines.

Public Indecency Examples in Fort Collins

Here are some examples of Public Indecency in Fort Collins, Colorado:

  • You go out on a Tinder date and after dinner, things start getting hot a heavy in the car. Your date pulls over in a parking lot and the two of you start to get frisky. All of a sudden, the police are knocking on the window and charging you and your date with Public Indecency for having sex in public.
  • You go out drinking with friends in downtown Fort Collins and when outside the bars, you decide to relieve yourself on a wall of an alley. Another person walks by and claims to have seen your private parts and was alarmed by your actions.
  • You are out with your husband and think no one is looking so you do a cheeky flash of your breasts with an eyebrow wiggle. Someone sees and calls the police.

Public Indecency Vs. Indecent Exposure: A Larimer County Public Indecency Attorney Explains

In Larimer County, Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure are often confused as both can involve the exposure of intimate parts. The difference is the intent. Public Indecency is charged when a person exposes an intimate part (not genitals) with intent to satisfy a sexual desire. It is also charged when a person exposes genitals, which causes alarm to another. Indecent Exposure is charged when a person exposes their genitals with intent to satisfy a sexual desire. Public Indecency is also charged when two people are having intercourse in public. Indecent Exposure is charged if a person masturbates in view of the public.


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 attorneys 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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