Indecent Exposure charges are serious in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. One bad decision made after a college drinking party, or at an adult movie theater, and your future can be changed. Why is this crime so devastating? Because Indecent Exposure is a sex offense: This means that if a person is convicted, they will be required to (a), register as a sex offender, and (b), go through sex offender treatment overseen by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). Today, we’ll look at which actions constitute Indecent Exposure, and why you need to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been charged.
What is Indecent Exposure in Larimer County?
Indecent Exposure charges can be difficult to understand. This is because the definition and terms in the statute are vague and open for interpretation. Let’s take a closer look at the statute (C.R.S. 18-7-302). A person commits the crime of Indecent Exposure if they:
- Knowingly expose their genitals to the view of any person, in a way which is likely to cause affront or alarm, and the intent is to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of any person;
- Knowingly performs an act of masturbation in a public place, in a way which is likely to cause affront or alarm.
Indecent Exposure charges are common in adult movie theaters. Many people don’t think they’ll get caught, but police stings are common in adult theaters. Police officers watch and wait, looking for people to charge. Flashing is another common incident which results in Indecent Exposure charges. Students at Colorado State University (CSU) often dare each other to flash people, especially after drinking too much. What people don’t realize is the consequences of this crime are serious.
The Consequences of an Indecent Exposure Conviction
It is easy to ignore Indecent Exposure charges or accept a plea deal in order to avoid jail time. This is not a good idea. Indecent Exposure is a sex offense, which means you will be labeled as a sex offender. You will be required to:
- Register as a Sex Offender: Registered sex offenders are labeled and are often unable to find a job, or get a home. Probation for sex offenders is extremely restricted – you may not be able to have contact with your children, and could lose your job. Sex offenders aren’t allowed to live in certain areas – you might not be able to move as a result of your sex offender status.
- Sex Offender Treatment: You will have to undergo sex offender treatment overseen by the harsh SOMB. You will be subjected to the same treatment as serial rapists and people who have committed much more serious crimes. This treatment is extremely invasive.
If you are facing Indecent Exposure charges, don’t accept a plea deal to avoid jail time. There are worse things than spending a few nights in a jail cell. Instead of trying to deal with the charges on your own, be smart and contact an experienced sex crimes defense attorney in Larimer, Boulder, and Jackson County. The lawyers at our office have over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights and future our clients.
If you or a loved one is facing Indecent Exposure charges in Fort Collins, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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