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Phoenix Indecent Exposure Attorney

Are you facing criminal charges for indecent exposure in Phoenix, Arizona? A conviction can significantly impact your life, especially if there are aggravating factors.

A Phoenix indecent exposure attorney at Orent Law Offices, PLC is here to help.

Attorney Craig Orent has over 34 years of experience and is an Arizona State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He’s successfully handled thousands of criminal law cases, helping clients receive not-guilty verdicts, favorable plea deals, dismissals, and reduced charges.

Contact our Phoenix, AZ law office today at (480) 656-730 to discuss the details of the indecent exposure charges against you. We offer a free initial consultation to answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and determine the best course of action.

How Our Phoenix Sex Crimes Lawyer Can Help You Fight Indecent Exposure Charges

It’s wise to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged with a sexual offense like indecent exposure. A criminal conviction for a sex crime can have detrimental effects on your reputation and future.

Retaining legal representation can mean the difference between having the charges dropped and spending time behind bars. But it’s important to act fast so that your lawyer can gather evidence and locate key witnesses.

If you hire a Phoenix sex crimes attorney at Orent Law Offices to help with your indecent exposure charges, we’ll:

• Examine the prosecuting attorney’s evidence against you to evaluate whether there are any weaknesses or deficiencies
• Gather exculpatory evidence to attempt to have the charges dismissed
• Negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf as we try to secure the best possible outcome for you
• Ensure that you understand your rights and options throughout the process
• Represent you in Maricopa County court if we believe it’s in your best interest

Reach out to Attorney Craig Orent’s law firm to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, and we’ll explain further how we can help you.

What Is Indecent Exposure in Arizona?

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 13, Chapter 14 contains laws regarding sexual offenses. These offenses include:

• Indecent exposure
• Public sexual indecency
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual conduct with a minor
• Sexual assault
• Child molestation
• Voyeurism
• Sexual extortion

Under A.R.S. 13-1402, indecent exposure is committed when:

• Someone exposes their genitals or anus, or a female exposes her nipple or areola (excluding a mother who is breastfeeding);
• Another person is present; and
• The defendant is reckless regarding whether the act will alarm or offend the other person as a reasonable person.

Note that the defendant must have intent to alarm or offend another person. For example, if you’re in a gym locker room, it’s reasonable to expect someone to be changing clothes. A reasonable person shouldn’t be offended if they see nudity in that scenario.

On the other hand, the act of “mooning” or “flashing” a stranger in public would be considered indecent exposure.

Is Public Urination Indecent Exposure in Arizona?

Yes. Urinating in public is illegal in Arizona. You could be charged with criminal nuisance or indecent exposure. Many cities in Arizona explicitly outlaw public urination in their municipal codes.

For example, the Phoenix City Code deems it unlawful to urinate on any public sidewalks, crosswalks, paths, highways, buses, parks, or any other public places.

What Are the Penalties for an Indecent Exposure Conviction in Arizona?

The penalties for an indecent exposure conviction depend on several factors, including:

• The age of the person who witnessed the exposure (specifically whether they were under the age of 15)
• Whether any aggravating factors apply to the case
• Whether the defendant has prior convictions for indecent exposure or other sex offenses

Indecent exposure to someone who is 15 years of age or older is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by:

• Up to six months in jail
• A fine of up to $2,500
• Probation for up to three years

The offense becomes more serious if the indecent exposure was to someone under the age of 15 or if the defendant has two or more prior indecent exposure convictions. In that case, the crime is a Class 6 felony punishable by:

• Up to 5.75 years in prison
• A fine of up to $150,000
• Probation for up to three years

The collateral consequences of a sex crime are also significant. You may have to explain the incident anytime you apply for a job or move to a new place. A Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help clear your name and keep your criminal record clean.

Aggravating Factors in an Indecent Exposure Case

An aggravating factor is a fact or circumstance that increases the severity of a crime and can result in harsher penalties.

Potential aggravating factors in an Arizona indecent exposure case can include:

• The defendant had an accomplice
• The defendant threatened to use a deadly weapon or inflict serious physical injury
• The defendant is a public servant
• The victim is at least 65 years old or has a disability
• The indecent exposure was committed in the presence of a child

If any aggravating factors are present in your case, it’s crucial to seek help from an experienced Phoenix indecent exposure lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can present an argument to the presiding judge that mitigating factors were involved.

Sex Offender Registration

You must register as a sex offender if:

• You have two or more indecent exposure violations to a person under the age of 15
• You have three or more indecent exposure violations (regardless of the victim’s age)

Being a registered sex offender can present numerous challenges, including issues finding employment, housing, or spending time around children.

What Defenses Are Available for Indecent Exposure in Phoenix, AZ?

Indecent exposure requires specific intent on the defendant’s part. If the act was accidental or you were unaware that anyone was around, the prosecution will have difficulty proving their case.

Some possible defenses to indecent exposure include but are not limited to:

• You didn’t expose yourself to another person
• You didn’t intend to expose yourself (e.g., it was accidental)
• You didn’t intend to alarm or offend anyone
• You weren’t reckless in your actions (e.g., you were in a locker room, where it’s reasonable to expect to see some nudity)
• You were unaware that another person was present to witness your conduct
• False accusations
• Lack of evidence proving that you committed the crime
• A violation of your constitutional rights, such as an unlawful arrest

An experienced criminal defense lawyer at Orent Law Offices will work to have your charges dismissed. If we’re unable to do so, we’ll pivot and argue for the charges to be reduced.

For example, we may be able to have an indecent exposure charge reduced to disorderly conduct or public intoxication, which are not sex crimes.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Phoenix Indecent Exposure Attorney

Were you charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix, AZ? If so, contact Orent Law Offices to speak with a knowledgeable Phoenix criminal defense lawyer. We offer a free consultation, so call now to schedule yours.