A conviction for indecent exposure in Waco can lead to severe repercussions and consequences. Our experience in these cases can help provide an important strategy and spot weakness in the prosecution’s case. An indecent exposure offense is generally considered a misdemeanor offense under Texas’ laws, which can, unfortunately, result in a criminal record, which will appear on background checks for jobs, educational opportunities, and even housing applications. Additionally, this offense can lead to jail time, fines, and a possible requirement to register as a sex offender.
Remember – indecent exposure criminal charges do not necessarily have to lead to a conviction. The prosecutor must prove you committed every element to the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be an onerous burden to meet, and if the judge or jury has any doubt, the charges against you can be reduced or even dismissed. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an experienced Waco criminal defense attorney to help you develop your best legal strategy for your particular situation. We know you have questions about the legal process. So please read our frequently asked questions about being arrested in Waco.
Indecent exposure is a sexual offense. For a defendant to be convicted on a charge of indecent exposure, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant exposed his anus or any part of his genitals with the intent to arouse the sexual desire of any person and that he is reckless about whether another person is present who may be alarmed or offended by this act. If there is any unwanted touching involved (such as groping or attempted rape), then the much more serious crime of sexual assault will be alleged.
Lack of intent – Since the purpose must be to arouse sexual desire, urinating by a dumpster is not considered “indecent.”
Insanity – Someone diagnosed mental illness or disorder might not be held accountable for individual acts.
Intoxication – This is not a standard defense to indecent exposure charges, but intoxication could reduce penalties by being a mitigating factor.
Age – Children are not likely to have had the intent to arouse another individual by such an act of exposure than an adult.
Penalties and Sentences in Texas, indecent exposure laws classify the crime as a “Class B” misdemeanor. This charge typically faces a penalty of not more than 180 days in county jail and a fine of no more than $2,000. The sentence imposed will be at the discretion of the judge and will depend upon the circumstances of each defendant and the nature of the offense. For example, a defendant who has been convicted of the same charge in the past will likely face a harsher sentence than one who has not been convicted before.
Sex crimes attorneys at Dunnam & Dunnam know how to effectively defend against false accusations and decrease the results of a conviction for a sex crime in Waco. As our client, we will protect you at each part of the sex crime investigation. In some cases, a skilled sex crimes attorney can prevent charges from being filed in the first place.
If you have been accused of indecent exposure in Waco, you need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Talk to a Waco criminal defense lawyer before talking to anyone else. We know how to spot weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case for indecent exposure in Waco. Call us for a free case evaluation at 254-753-6437.
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