Former Sex Crimes Prosecutors Now Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested for Indecent Exposure, it is imperative that you consult with a Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Attorney. Defined under California Penal Code statute 314, the public and purposeful display of genitalia or private parts with the intention of offending other people or for the purposes of receiving sexual gratification is considered Indecent Exposure. The consequences of a PC 314 conviction are significant and carry mandatory sex offender registration. Although typically prosecuted in Los Angeles as a misdemeanor sex crime, Indecent Exposure is considered a “wobbler” offense. Therefore, the sex offense can be elevated to a felony if you have prior PC 314 conviction.
Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Lawyers Paul Takakjian and Stephen Sitkoff have specialized in defending sex crimes since 1987 utilizing their experience as former sex crimes prosecutors with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Contact us now at (888) 579-4844 for a free case review to discuss your options and how we can help you.
Defenses And Elements Of Indecent Exposure
To convict you of Indecent Exposure, the prosecution must prove that you exposed yourself intentionally, publicly, for the purposes of your sexual gratification or another’s, or to offend another person. In Los Angeles, first-time offenders are charged with misdemeanors. However, if you have prior Indecent Exposure convictions on your criminal record, you can be prosecuted for a felony which further enhances your criminal sentencing exposure. PC 314 cites intention as one of the primary elements of the offense. Therefore, if your nudity was part of an artistic expression or performance you may have an affirmative First Amendment defense under the U.S. Constitution. Alternatively, if your actions were not intended to offend others nor were you seeking sexual gratification, your Los Angeles Indecent Exposure defense attorney can present these issues as factors in mitigation to reduce your charge to a lesser non-registrable offense. Another PC 314 defense can be raised by arguing you had a reasonable expectation of privacy while conducting an otherwise legal act.
Penalties For Indecent Exposure In Los Angeles
If you are charged with Indecent Exposure, the penalties you face can vary depending on whether you are prosecuted for a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor PC 314 charge carries the following consequences:
- Up to 6 months in LA County Jail
- Informal (unsupervised) or formal (supervised) probation
- Up $1,000 fine
- Court ordered sex offender counseling
- Community labor or service
- Lifetime sex offender registration
As felony, Indecent Exposure carries the following consequences:
- Up to 1 year in California State Prison
- Formal (supervised) probation
- Up $1,000 fine
- Court ordered sex offender counseling
- Community labor or service
- Lifetime sex offender registration
Contact Our Los Angeles Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyers
If you have been arrested for Indecent Exposure in Los Angeles or anywhere else in Southern California, please contact us at (888) 579-4844 for a free no-obligation consultation at our main office in West Los Angeles. For our clients’ convenience, we maintain additional satellite locations in Long Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, West Covina, Glendale, Orange, Newport Beach, Westlake Village, Oxnard, and Rancho Cucamonga.