If you have been criminally charged with Public Indecency in Larimer County, you need to contact a top criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Public Indecency can be charged for one of several different actions, such as exposing intimate parts to another person to cause arousal, or publicly engaging in an act of sexual touching or intercourse with another person. Below, the best criminal defense lawyers answer frequently asked questions on Public Indecency charges at the Larimer County Courts:
1. What is Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301, in Fort Collins, Colorado?
Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301, is charged when a person engages in one of the following acts in public, or in a setting where he or she can easily be viewed by another:
- An act of sexual intercourse.
- A “lewd exposure of an intimate part” that does not include the genitals, with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of another person.
- Fondling or sexually caressing another person.
- Knowingly exposing genitals to another person in a way that would likely cause affront or alarm. Note that this is not performed with the intent of causing arousal or sexual satisfaction. Exposing genitals for the sake of arousing another person would be charged instead as Indecent Exposure.
2. Is Public Indecency the Same as Indecent Exposure at the Larimer County Courts?
Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure are two similar but distinct charges at the Larimer County Courts. Indecent Exposure is charged for masturbating in front of another person, or knowingly exposing genitals to another person with the intent of arousing him or her. Either act is committed in a way that will likely result in the other person being affronted or alarmed. Indecent Exposure is a class 1 misdemeanor, whereas Public Indecency is less severe as a petty offense.
3. What are “Intimate Parts” in Loveland?
In Loveland, “intimate parts” are defined under C.R.S. 18-3-401 as “the external genitalia or the perineum or the anus or the buttocks or the pubes or the breast of any person.” Knowing exposure of one of these parts to another person in a way that could likely cause alarm will result in being charged with Public Indecency.
4. Can You Be Charged for Peeing in Public in Estes Park?
Yes, you can be charged with Public Indecency for peeing in public in Estes Park or elsewhere in Colorado. Urinating in public is prohibited under subsection (1) (e):
5. Can You Be Sentenced to the Larimer County Jail for Public Indecency?
Yes, Larimer County Jail time is a possibility for a conviction of Public Indecency. As a petty offense, Public Indecency is punishable by up to 10 days in the Larimer County Jail. You may also be required to pay a fine of up to $300.
6. Do You Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Public Indecency in Fort Collins?
If you have been convicted of Public Indecency for the first time in Fort Collins, you do not have to register as a sex offender. However, you must register if:
- You have been convicted of Public Indecency for the second time within 5 years of the first offense, or
- You have been convicted for the 3rd or subsequent time.
7. Is Breastfeeding in Public an Act of Public Indecency in Loveland?
Breastfeeding in public is not regarded as an act of Public Indecency. While breasts are considered an “intimate part,” breastfeeding does not meet the criteria for Public Indecency. This is because C.R.S. 18-7-301 specifically uses the language of “lewd exposure of an intimate part.” Given this wording, breastfeeding does not qualify, as it is not “lewd exposure.” Additionally, women are legally permitted to breastfeed in public per C.R.S. 25-6-302.
Contact a Top Larimer County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been criminally charged with Public Indecency, your first step should be to contact a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer today. As a petty offense, it may seem that Public Indecency will not have an impact on your future and freedoms. However, even after you have finished sentencing requirements, you will still have a Larimer County Court criminal record. This criminal record will negatively affect several aspects of your life – including your ability to find or maintain employment. Don’t wait to contact us so that we can help you protect your future from your Public Indecency charges.
Have you been charged with Public Indecency? First, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not talk about your charges with the Fort Collins Police or any other law enforcement agency. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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