California Public Indecency Defense Attorneys for the LGBT Community

Legal Definition of Public Indecency in California

Public indecency refers to acts involving nudity or sexual conduct in public for the purpose of arousal, offend, or shock. One involved in public indecency could be charged with indecent exposure or lewd conduct. An individual convicted of public indecency must register as a sex offender for a minimum of 10 years. If you have been charged with a public indecency crime, it is imperative to hire a Public Indecency Defense Attorney. Defendants represented by public defenders are more likely to be convicted of their accused crime and to receive more severe punishments than defendants that hire a specialized attorney. Pride Legal’s Public Indecency Defense Attorneys are experienced in representing defendants of sex crimes and will produce an individualized course of action to protect your rights.

Elements of Public Indecency in California

Under California Penal Code 314, the following elements must occur  for an individual to be accused of public indecency:

1. The defendant intended to direct public attention to the defendant’s genitals; or
2. The defendant wanted to achieve sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual affront from his or her public exposure.

Potential Penalties of Public Indecency

California laws are strict when it comes to public indecency charges. Individuals involved in acts of public indecency are commonly charged with indecent exposure or lewd conduct. Those crimes are misdemeanor charges and are punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in prison 
• Fine of up to $1,000
• Minimum 10-year duty to register as a sex offender

Those convicted of indecent exposure or lewd acts often find their duty to register as a sex offender as the most severe punishment for their acts. Registered sex offenders often face difficulty getting employment, harm to relationships, and social stigmatization. If you have been charged with a public indecency crime, it is imperative to hire a Public Indecency Defense Attorney. Defendants represented by public defenders are more likely to be convicted of their accused crime and to receive more severe punishments than defendants that hire a specialized attorney. Pride Legal’s Public Indecency Defense Attorneys are experienced in representing defendants of sex crimes and will produce an individualized course of action to protect your rights.

Know Your Rights About Sex Crimes

1. There are statutes of limitations for various sex crimes.
2. Gather as much evidence as possible. Sex crime cases are often based on “he said she said” evidence. Concrete evidence will greatly help you.
3.  Invoke your 5th amendment rights (don’t speak to authorities until you have a lawyer present).
4. Although you have rights and should exercise them, do not obstruct police investigations. This will only harm you.
5. Most importantly, hire an experienced attorney. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.

Contact Pride Legal

If you or a loved one has been accused of public indecency, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.