Spotlight on Indecent Exposure Laws

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 20-Jun-2015

Under Texas law, indecent exposure is a class B misdemeanor. An individual may be arrested for indecent exposure in the event that the genitals or anus were exposed with the intent of arousing another person and with recklessness regarding the presence of anyone who could be offended by the act. Depending on the circumstances of the incident and whether any mitigating factors are established, the judge may sentence a convicted offender to a fine of up to $2,000 and a term in jail no longer than 180 days. However, it should also be noted that offenders run the risk of being required to enter into the sex offender registry, which carries long-term consequences.

A criminal defense lawyer can help defendants understand the nature of the charges against them. There are many acts that could be considered indecent exposure, including public urination. However, there are also several defenses that could be raised in court. A criminal defense attorney may argue that the defendant has a diagnosed mental illness, for example, or that he or she lacked intent. While intoxication cannot excuse indecent exposure, it may serve to reduce the penalties.

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass, our criminal defense team has extensive experience representing individuals accused of sex crimes and other criminal offenses. If you’re in need of a criminal attorney in the Plano or Dallas area, call today.