If you are charged with indecent exposure in Los Angeles, the consequences could be far reaching. These types of charges are intimidating and embarrassing. Individuals arrested on these types of charges are often pressured to confess or plead guilty before they are aware of what a plea could mean to their future.
Because they are embarrassed, many individuals think that if they cooperate with a guilty plea, they can escape further embarrassment, but that is false. A charge of indecent exposure in Los Angeles will not “just go away” if you plead guilty.
The California Penal Code defines indecent exposure as the act of publicly exhibiting one’s genitalia to one or more persons, usually with the intent to shock or disturb the unsuspecting viewer. Indecent exposure is a sex crime. The punishments for sex crimes in California can be embarrassing, costly and severe. However, the cost of a conviction for indecent exposure can not be tallied in dollars and cents alone.
A conviction for misdemeanor Indecent Exposure, under California Penal Code 647, carries a penalty of up to five years of misdemeanor probation, up to one year in the county jail, and fines in addition. A second, or subsequent offense, can be charged as a felony and carry much harsher penalties, including state prison sentences. Regardless of whether a conviction under this section is a misdemeanor or a felony, any conviction of this offense requires lifetime sex offender registration pursuant to California Penal Code section 290.
A person who is charged with indecent exposure may find their entire future in jeopardy. If you are an immigrant, a conviction for indecent exposure or any other sex crime can result in your deportation. Regardless of their citizenship status, a person faces many serious and costly consequences if convicted of a sex crime. Indecent exposure, depending on the circumstances, can result in misdemeanor or even felony charges.
If you are facing charges for indecent exposure, public indecency or a public sex act in Los Angeles, it is essential that you contact an attorney immediately. Remember, if you plead guilty or are convicted your conviction will become a matter of public record. If you are placed on the California Sex Offender Registry your picture, address and your conviction will be viewable to family, friends, neighbors as well as current and future employers.
