Have you been charged with Indecent Exposure? You will need a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. Recently, a 20-year-old man found himself charged with several counts of this offense for taking hikes while completely nude and high on marijuana. In addition to Indecent Exposure, the man was also charged with several counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact for grabbing women’s bottoms while on these hikes. Along with incarceration and several other penalties, this man will be required to register on the sex offender registry if he is convicted. Below, our best criminal defense lawyers discuss Indecent Exposure, and why you need an experienced attorney if you have been charged:
1. Legal Definition of Indecent Exposure, C.R.S. 18-7-302 at the Larimer County Courts
The legal definition of Indecent Exposure, C.R.S. 18-7-302, as used at the Larimer County Courts, is as follows:
(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.
Indecent Exposure is one of Colorado’s two statutes that prohibits nudity and sexual acts in public. This offense is specifically charged when a person:
- Exposes his or her genitals to another person to arouse or sexually satisfy him or her under circumstances that will most likely cause alarm to that person, or
- Masturbates in public.
Colorado’s other public nudity statute is Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301. Read more about Public Indecency here.
2. Do You Have to Register as a Sex Offender for an Indecent Exposure Conviction in Fort Collins?
In Fort Collins, conviction of some sex offenses require that the defendant register as a sex offender on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s public sex offender registry. This includes Indecent Exposure, regardless of the circumstances. If you are convicted of misdemeanor Indecent Exposure, you will be required to reregister annually for a minimum of 5 years. However, conviction of felony Indecent Exposure will instead require annual reregistration for at least 10 years.
Registration on the sex offender registry is one of the most significant consequences that comes with an Indecent Exposure conviction. For that reason, it is crucial that you contact a top criminal defense lawyer if you have been criminally charged.
3. Penalties for Indecent Exposure in Loveland and Estes Park
Indecent Exposure can be a misdemeanor or felony offense in Loveland and Estes Park, depending on whether the defendant had any prior convictions and whether a child witnesses the exposure. Penalties for these different circumstances are outlined below:
Circumstances |
Classification of Offense |
Penalties |
| First or second conviction | Class 1 misdemeanor / M1 |
|
|
Class 6 felony / F6 |
|
Indecent Exposure is relatively minor compared to other sex crimes. Still, that does not mean that the penalties won’t change your life if you are convicted. If you have been criminally charged, it is essential that you contact a top criminal defense lawyer right away. The sooner you do, the better are your chances of having a favorable outcome and avoiding harsh penalties at the Larimer County Courts.
Have you or has a loved one been charged with Indecent Exposure? First, exercise your right to remain silent. The Fort Collins Police and Larimer County Sheriff only want to talk to you so they can gather evidence against you to be used in court. Then call 970-658-0007 today to talk to a criminal defense lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. 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!
Photo by Liza Summer