Public Indecency Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
Individuals who commit lewd acts in a public place may be charged with public indecency. Anyone can be accused of this crime if they intentionally and recklessly expose their private body parts or engage in sexual activity in the presence of another person. Public indecency can carry serious punishments that can change your life forever. If you are facing allegations or charges of public indecency, you need a seasoned Phoenix criminal defense attorney to help with your case. Getting wrongful accusations can emotionally and physically take a toll on a person. If you are going through this, we are here and we understand your case.
At Snader Law Group, we are committed to helping individuals who are facing criminal charges in Arizona. We have extensive experience in representing clients who are accused of public indecency, indecent public exposure, sexual abuse, sexual assault, prostitution, child molestation, and other sex crime charges. We will protect your rights and build the best defense strategy for your criminal case.
Get in touch with our competent Arizona criminal law attorneys for an initial consultation.
Why Do I Need a Public Indecency Lawyer in Arizona?
Public indecency is a serious and dangerous crime in Arizona. Offenders could face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances. Facing this type of criminal charge requires the skill and handling of an experienced Phoenix public indecency attorney.
Do not undermine the seriousness of a public indecency charge. Early intervention from our skilled criminal defense lawyers at Snader Law Group is critical. Our criminal defense law firm has decades of experience dealing with the issues and laws concerning public indecency cases in Arizona. We will help you explore your legal options and defend your rights. We will be with you every step of the way. Call us now and schedule an initial consultation.
What is Public Indecency?
Public indecency refers to acts involving public nudity or sexual activity done in a public place, often with the intent to arouse, shock, or offend. It includes criminal offenses like indecent public exposure and public lewdness.
Arizona Public Indecency Laws
In Arizona, an individual can be charged with public indecency for engaging in a sexual act while another person is present. Furthermore, intentional, willful, and lewd exposure of a person’s genitals, nipples, or anus is considered indecent exposure.
Public indecency charges can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the accused. You could face hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. If you are looking at public indecency charges, you should seek legal advice from a credible Phoenix public indecency lawyer as soon as you can to guarantee a suitable defense.
What are the Penalties for Public Indecency?
Sex crimes such as public indecency, indecent exposure, or public lewdness, are some of the most heavily prosecuted crimes in Arizona. The charges for public indecency may differ depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. The level of penalties varies depending on the offense, whether the accused has a prior conviction or criminal record, and whether minors were present. A knowledgeable Phoenix sex crimes lawyer can explain the possible penalties of public indecency charges and conviction.
To be found guilty in a public indecency case, the prosecution must prove that you were reckless about whether anyone viewing your act, as a reasonable person, would be offended or alarmed. In Arizona law, engaging in a reckless and offensive sexual act, oral sexual gratification, or sexual intercourse in public is charged under the Public Sexual Indecency statute. According to the Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1403, a sex offender who is convicted of a felony public sexual indecency could face jail time anywhere between 6 to 15 years.
Class 1 Misdemeanor
If the act of public indecency involves non-minors or persons more than 15 years of age, it is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. A single class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum consequence of a $2,500.00 fine, three years of probation, and 6 months in prison. If you are convicted of public indecency, even if it is a misdemeanor, you may be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of your life.
Class 5 Felony
If the alleged victim of public indecency crime involves a person below the age of 15, the state will charge the act as a class 5 felony. A conviction for a felony leads to substantially harsher punishment. It carries a maximum sentence of up to 2.5 years of jail time. In addition, there is also a discretionary fine of up to $150,000.00 and lifetime probation. Sex offender registration may also be required. A felony conviction may also lead to non-criminal consequences including loss of civil rights, having a permanent criminal record, and difficulties obtaining employment.
What are the Defenses for Public Indecency?
Many possible defenses can be raised in public indecency cases. There are several factors to be considered during the investigation of the case. You need to formulate an effective defense strategy to reduce your penalties or even dismiss the charges. A qualified Phoenix public indecency lawyer should be able to build a strong defense strategy to argue and prove that you did not intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly do the sexual act or nudity in a public place. Some possible defenses to public indecency charges in Arizona include:
- You were not in a public place
- You were not reckless in your actions
- You did not expose yourself
- You did not intend to expose yourself
- You did not realize another person was able to witness your conduct
- The police denied your rights to an attorney
Call our Experienced Phoenix Public Indecency Attorney Now!
A public indecency charge can lead to serious consequences that can have a long-lasting impact on your daily life for years to come. No matter how minor the criminal charge or conviction may seem, it is imperative to have strong legal representation throughout the entire criminal proceeding. Facing a criminal charge can be overwhelming and stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone.
If you have been charged with public indecency in Arizona, consult our competent Phoenix public indecency lawyer at Snader Law Group as soon as possible. Our criminal defense law firm has the knowledge, skills, and experience to build a strong defense strategy for your criminal case. We will thoroughly analyze the details of the case, collect strong evidence, and formulate the best plan to defend you in court. We understand the complexities of criminal defense and we will aggressively fight to protect your rights.
Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation.