If you’ve been charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix, it’s essential to act quickly and engage the services of an experienced attorney. At Snader Law Group, we understand that your future and your freedom are at stake, and we’re here to fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Hire Snader Law Group For Your Indecent Exposure Case?
When faced with an indecent exposure charge, you need a team that brings insight and experience. Here’s why Snader Law Group is the right fit:
Decades of Experience
Our experience extends more than three decades. Throughout this time, we’ve gained invaluable knowledge on handling all types of criminal cases.
Former Prosecutor
With a former prosecutor on our team, we understand the specifics of how a case may be built against you. This insight allows us to devise strategies that can anticipate and counter these methods effectively.
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Attorney Howard Snader is board-certified in criminal law, showcasing both dedication and specialization in this field.
To proactively handle your indecent exposure case, reach out to Snader Law Group today.
How a Phoenix Indecent Exposure Attorney Can Help You With an Indecent Exposure Case
If you’ve been accused of indecent exposure, securing a reliable Phoenix indecent exposure attorney is pivotal in navigating the legal challenges ahead. Here’s how they can help:
Explain Charges
Your first step will be gaining a comprehensive understanding of your charges. An experienced Phoenix indecent exposure lawyer can break down these laws into digestible information and explain how they apply to your particular circumstances and the potential penalties you face if convicted.
Review Arrest Procedures
Did law enforcement infringe upon your Constitutional rights during arrest? Was there a lack of probable cause or improper action by the police? If that happened, your Phoenix indecent exposure attorney would identify any procedural errors and file motions to suppress evidence.
Negotiate and Fight in Court
A Phoenix indecent exposure lawyer can negotiate plea deals on your behalf. Sometimes it is not in your best interest to go to trial; if this is the case, your lawyer will work with prosecutors to lessen charges or seek minimum penalties. If this is not an option or you do not wish to take it, your Phoenix indecent exposure attorney will represent you in court.
If you’re facing charges of indecent exposure, contact a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What is Indecent Exposure?
In Arizona, indecent exposure is defined as a situation where an individual purposely exposes their private parts (genitals, anus, or the areola/nipple of the breast) to another person. To be convicted, it must be proven that you were reckless, meaning you were aware that a reasonable person might be offended or alarmed but consciously disregarded this fact:
“A person commits indecent exposure if he or she exposes his or her genitals or anus or she exposes the areola or nipple of her breast or breasts and another person is present, and the defendant is reckless about whether the other person, as a reasonable person, would be offended or alarmed by the act.”
This could be as simple as urinating in public, which many people don’t realize could be a serious crime.
Indecent Exposure Penalties in Arizona
The sanctions for indecent exposure in Arizona vary depending on various conditions:
If the offense is committed towards an individual who is fifteen years or older, it’s classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
However, if you expose yourself to someone under fifteen years old, the charge escalates to a Class 6 felony.
Multiple prior convictions also add up, and could potentially lead to up to 15 years in jail:
“A person who is convicted of a felony violation of this section and who has two or more historical prior felony convictions for a violation of this section or section 13-1403 involving indecent exposure or public sexual indecency to a minor who is under fifteen years of age is guilty of a class 3 felony and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment as follows:
- Mitigated – 6 years
- Minimum – 8 years
- Presumptive – 10 years
- Maximum – 12 years
- Aggravated – 15 years”
In some cases, you may also be required to register as a sex offender, which can have serious, life-long repercussions. Because of the seriousness of these penalties, it’s critical to speak with an Arizona criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested or questioned regarding an incident.
Legal Defenses to Indecent Exposure
If you’re facing an indecent exposure charge in Arizona, several legal defenses can be used to fight your case:
A Reasonable Person Wouldn’t Be Offended
The prosecution must prove that your actions were such that a reasonable person would be offended or alarmed. If this highly subjective provision can’t be demonstrated by the prosecution, it creates an avenue for your defense.
Not Reckless
Being “reckless” means you were consciously disregarding the risk that your behavior would offend others. If you can show that you were hiding or had minimal reason to believe anyone might observe your actions, this indicates a lack of recklessness.
Accidental Exposure
Indecent exposure cases often rely on intent – and if the exposure was accidental, perhaps due to clothing failure or other unfortunate circumstances, this could serve as a strong defense.
Contact Snader Law Group To Schedule a Free Consultation
Facing indecent exposure charges can be traumatic, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our legal team will provide representation that is empathetic, understanding, yet assertive when it comes down to fighting for your rights. Contact Snader Law Group’s Phoenix Indecent Exposure Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.