A Revealing Look at Arizona’s Indecent Exposure Laws
Indecent exposure is the intentional exposure of your private parts in a public place or when other non-consenting people are present. Arizona law considers this a serious crime, and it can result in jail time, fines and fees, probation, community service, and having to register as a sex offender. If you have been charged with indecent exposure in Arizona, attorney Janet Altschuler can protect your rights and defend you in court. Here is what you need to understand about Arizona’s indecent exposure laws.
What is Indecent Exposure in Arizona?
Arizona law considers indecent exposure to be the reckless exposure of specific body parts (the genitals, anus, and the female areola or nipple) to another person or people without their consent or without considering that they will be alarmed or offended. You can be charged with indecent exposure in Arizona if you:
- Urinate in public.
- Flash your genitals at someone.
- Intentionally wear revealing clothing that exposes your private parts or breasts.
You cannot be charged with indecent exposure for breastfeeding in public.
You may be charged with aggravated indecent exposure if the victim is over the age of 65 or has a disability, if you have an accomplice, if you are a public servant, if you wore a mask or disguise, or if you were impersonating a police officer during the event.
Penalties for Indecent Exposure
If you are found guilty of indecent exposure in Arizona, you may have to register as a sex offender. Indecent exposure can be a class 1 misdemeanor; however, if your act occurred in front of someone age 15 or younger, the charge is escalated to a class 6 felony. A class 1 misdemeanor carries a fine of $2,500 and up to six months in jail or up to 3 years of probation. A class 6 felony can result in up to two years of prison or jail time.
What to Do if You Are Charged with Indecent Exposure
If you are charged with indecent exposure, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Your attorney can investigate the details of your case and determine the best way to defend you in court. They may be able to negotiate a plea deal or argue a defense of innocence in court.
Defense of Indecent Exposure Charges
Your attorney can help you develop an aggressive defense against indecent exposure charges. The best way to do this is to prove that the witnesses to your crime were not alarmed or offended, or that you weren’t engaged in reckless behavior. Your attorney can also argue that you weren’t being reckless, you were trying to hide your body rather than exhibit it, or that you exposed yourself accidentally or through an act that was beyond your control (such as a wardrobe malfunction).
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Arizona, Janet Altschuler can help. To set up a free consultation, contact us online.