An indecent exposure charge is a serious sex crime in California. You could face severe penalties for a conviction, including collateral consequences that could impact numerous aspects of your life. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience. For nearly two decades, we have fought for the rights of accused persons in California. Our law firm has won over 3,000 cases.
Contact our office today at (408) 217-8818 to schedule a free consultation with a San Jose indecent exposure lawyer.
How Our San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You After an Arrest for Indecent Exposure in California
If you are facing charges of indecent exposure, you need a criminal defense attorney with experience, skills, and resources. You also want an attorney who understands the law and court procedures. Our lawyers fit those criteria, with over thirty years of combined experience.
Navigating the criminal justice system can be confusing and frightening. Sex crimes are taken very seriously by the court system.
When you hire our top-rated San Jose criminal defense lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to your charges of indecent exposure
- Gather evidence and facts to build a solid defense
- Obtain evidence the state has against you and analyze it for weaknesses and strengths
- Explain how the law applies in your case and your legal options for a defense
- Negotiate terms for a fair plea agreement if that is the best option for resolving your case
- Aggressively defend you in court if necessary
One of our lawyers is a California State Bar-certified specialist in Criminal Law. Our attorneys have also received recognition from numerous organizations, including Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and the American Society of Legal Advocates.
Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation with an experienced San Jose sex crimes attorney.
Overview of California’s Indecent Exposure Law
California Penal Code §314 defines the crime of indecent exposure. A person can be charged with indecent exposure if they willfully and lewdly:
- Expose their private parts in any public place or where people are present to be annoyed or offended by the action OR
- Assist, counsel, or have someone expose themselves to public view that would be offensive to decency or excite vicious or lewd thoughts or acts
The indecent exposure law is intended to protect the public from being exposed to inappropriate and offensive behavior.
What Are the Penalties for an Indecent Exposure Conviction in San Jose, CA?
Indecent exposure charges are wobblers. Typically, the state charges indecent exposure as a misdemeanor. If convicted, the judge could require you to pay a maximum fine of $1,000 and spend up to six months in county jail.
However, your criminal record could result in a felony charge. If you have previous convictions for indecent exposure or lewd acts with a minor, the state can charge you with felony indecent exposure. The penalty for a conviction is a maximum fine of $10,000 and a prison sentence between 16 months and three years.
In addition to fines and jail time, you are required to register as a Tier One sex offender for at least ten years. Therefore, take all charges of indecent exposure seriously – even if you are facing a misdemeanor and have a clean criminal history.
Are There Defenses to Charges of Indecent Exposure in San Jose, CA?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may have one or more defenses to indecent exposure charges. Potential defenses to indecent exposure include:
- Insufficient Evidence: The state does not have sufficient evidence to prove all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Lack of Intent: There was no intent to willfully and lewdly expose yourself in public. For example, you may have accidentally exposed yourself while changing clothes in your vehicle.
- No Witnesses: You can argue that no one was present to see you, and the exposure took place where it was unlikely someone else would be present.
- Albi: You are the victim of mistaken identity because you have an alibi for the time when the crime allegedly occurred.
- False Accusations: There is evidence that someone is falsely accusing you of indecent exposure. Motives could include leverage in a custody fight, jealousy, or revenge.
Our legal team will analyze all defense options thoroughly to determine the best strategy for your case. If there are mitigating circumstances, we can use that information in addition to the potential defense when negotiating a plea deal or preparing for trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Jose Indecent Exposure Attorneys
You do not have to face criminal charges alone. You can have an experienced legal team standing with you to protect your rights. We will fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to request a free consultation with a San Jose indecent exposure lawyer.