Mesa Indecent Exposure Lawyer

Introduction

Arizona law makes it clear which body parts aren’t okay to expose to another person. While some consider indecent exposure a minor crime, it’s still illegal and punishable by law. The penalties for the crime vary based on whether you have prior convictions and the age of the victim (witness to the exposure). 

If you’ve been accused of indecent exposure in Mesa, it’s imperative that you speak with a lawyer. They can help explain your options to you and increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome for your case. 

Indecent Exposure Laws in Mesa

Arizona law states that you’ve committed indecent exposure if you’ve recklessly exposed your anal or genital region, or nipples and areolas (if you’re female) in front of someone else without considering that the witness would be offended or alarmed. However, breast-feeding isn’t considered indecent exposure.

If you commit indecent exposure with a witness of 15 or younger, you’ll face more severe consequences for your crime. This offense is typically considered a misdemeanor but can escalate to a felony if aggravating factors are present. Note that although they can be related, indecent exposure is a different crime than public sexual indecency.

In addition to state-wide laws on indecent exposure, individual cities may have their own laws regarding indecent exposure. If you have questions about this, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney in Mesa as soon as possible.

Indecent Exposure Penalties in Mesa

According to state law, if you commit indecent exposure and the witness is older than 15, it’s a class 1 misdemeanor crime. This offense may come with fines up to $2,500, probation, and mandatory counseling or classes. If you have at least two prior convictions, indecent exposure is a class 6 felony crime. 

Indecent exposure also counts as a class 6 felony crime if the witness is younger than 15. If you have two or more felonies on your record already and expose yourself in front of someone younger than 15, it’s a class 3 felony crime. In this case, you may go to prison for between eight and 15 years. 

If you’ve committed indecent exposure with a minor witness, you must undergo a screening for risk assessment to determine how likely you are to reoffend. You may be required to go on the sex offender registry, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment screening. 

The Department of Public Safety in Arizona is responsible for keeping the internet sex offender website up and running. This site is required by law to display information regarding level two and level three offenders in Arizona. The department verifies the address, photograph, and name of each offender in the state on a daily basis in accordance with Arizona law. 

Defenses for Indecent Exposure in Mesa 

If you work with an indecent exposure lawyer in Mesa, their job will be to prove that a reasonable individual who witnessed the act wouldn’t be alarmed or offended. To receive an indecent exposure charge, it’s required that you behaved in a reckless way, so your attorney could work to prove that this wasn’t the case. If for example, someone saw your genitals, but you were trying to hide them, this may not qualify as reckless behavior.

Your lawyer could also defend you by checking for procedural errors in the case and ensuring your rights were upheld. Keep in mind that, while an indecent exposure offense doesn’t seem as severe as other sex crimes, it can still come with harsh consequences. 

Depending on whether your indecent exposure crime is a felony or misdemeanor, your prior convictions, and whether the exposure involved a minor, you could be facing serious consequences. You should contact an indecent exposure lawyer in Mesa as soon as possible if you’ve been accused of this crime.

JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona

JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.

From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.

JacksonWhite Mesa Office

Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.

The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1^st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.

Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.