Indecent Exposure Lawyer in Tampa, Florida

SITUATIONS THAT MAY LEAD TO INDECENT EXPOSURE CHARGES 

Many circumstances can lead to indecent exposure charges. Sadly, some may result in intense legal battles to prove innocence. Some common examples of situations where these charges may arise include: 

• Sunbathing in the nude 
• Engaging in sexual activity in public 
• Flashing or streaking in public 
• Exposing sexual organs to a minor 
• Skinny dipping 

In extreme cases, wearing extremely revealing clothing can be considered indecent exposure and result in charges. Consider some common questions about indecent exposure charges and how they may apply to your lawsuit. 

INDECENT EXPOSURE INVOLVING A MINOR

Compared with other sex offenses, indecent exposure is typically considered a less severe offense. However, when minors are involved, the consequences become far more serious. In the state of Florida, adults convicted of indecent exposure in the presence of a minor can potentially face: 

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000
• A felony record that limits your job & housing opportunities 

In addition to these penalties, conviction may require you to register as a sex offender, potentially for life. 

POSSIBLE DEFENSES IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH INDECENT EXPOSURE IN FLORIDA 

During your initial phone case, the attorney will discuss the key elements of the case. Then they will schedule your office appointment, where you can divulge details about the incident, the nature of your intent, and other facts about the case. They will explain the charges, the potential punishments you could face, and the strategy they may employ to combat them. 

Common defenses for an indecent exposure charge in Florida include the following: 

• Lack of intent: Unintentionally exposing your sex organs does not warrant indecent exposure. For example, hiding behind something in public to deal with a broken zipper does not display an intent of vulgarity, sexual contact, or lewdness. 
• Unawareness of the presence of other people: Whether you exposed intimate parts in your home or in public, your attorney could argue you did not know others could see you under certain circumstances. This is a reliable argument when no one was reasonably likely to see you. 
• Mental illness: Mental disabilities and diseases are common and can lead people to act in ways they otherwise would not. Sometimes people suffering from mental challenges are unaware of how their actions may impact others. 
• Lack of exposure: A valid indecent exposure charge requires nudity. Wearing revealing clothing or showing your undergarments in public does not warrant even a misdemeanor, and your attorney can argue that you never exposed yourself. 
• Intoxication: If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the exposure occurred, your attorney may argue that you were not completely aware of your actions when the incident occurred. 

Using the intoxication defense may not entirely absolve you of all criminal penalties either.  

However, your attorney could use it to mitigate the damages and reduce the punishment. It all depends on the situation surrounding the incident. Therefore, being forthcoming with the details during your attorney meeting is crucial to avoid long-lasting consequences. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Public Urination an Indecent Exposure Offense? 

In Florida, the prosecution may charge you for urinating in public, but they will likely not have the evidence to convict you. A critical element of proving indecent exposure is the existence of prurient or sexual overtones to the act. Urinating is not inherently a sexual act and is typically not intended to be a lewd or lascivious exhibition. Often, police who arrest and charge people with indecent exposure for this reason simply do not understand the law. 

Can the Police Arrest You for Indecent Exposure if You Did Not Know Someone Could See You? 

An intent to sexually arouse or receive sexual gratification by exposing sexual organs must exist. The police may arrest you, but you would likely not face conviction or penalties for indecent exposure if you did not know anyone could see you. 

For example, if walking around nude in the apartment of a high-rise building with no other facilities at the same level, you likely would not expect anyone to see you. However, if the police arrested you because someone saw, an indecent exposure Florida attorney would probably argue that you did not intend to harm anyone or behave in an indecent manner. 

DON’T TALK TO THE POLICE—SPEAK WITH AN INDECENT EXPOSURE LAWYER

With over 25 years of experience defending people with allegations of serious indecent acts or exposure, there is little the team at Mike G Law has not seen. During your initial appointment, we discuss the facts about your case, possible charges, and a strategy for approaching the claims. To speak with an indecent exposure Florida lawyer about the details of your case, contact Mike G Law today.