Indecent Exposure Attorney in Houston, Texas
Indecent exposure is a grave sexual offense under Texas law. A simple accusation can be enough to permanently damage your personal and professional reputation. A conviction would remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life.
With so much at stake, it is crucial to mitigate the damage done by an arrest for indecent exposure. A competent Texas criminal defense lawyer at Scott M. Brown & Associates can fight the charges and possibly help you avoid a conviction. Contact our criminal defense law firm now, and schedule an initial consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Why Do I Need an Indecent Exposure Attorney in Texas?
Whether you’ve been found guilty or have merely been arrested, an indecent exposure charge tends to bring condemnation from the public. The gravity of your potential charges can weigh heavily on you. You shouldn’t experience this alone. Our credible Houston indecent exposure attorneys at Scott M. Brown & Associates are ready to help you undergo this challenging situation.
- At Scott M. Brown & Associates, we have extensive experience working with clients charged with sex crimes in Angleton, Pearland, League City, League City, and Friendswood, Texas.
- We can work with you to prepare a solid defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
- Our law office is ready to help you through your divorce process, criminal charges, and personal injury claims.
- Our compassionate legal team will gather the facts of your case and work diligently to defend your rights and preserve your reputation.
Our criminal defense law firm honors the attorney-client relationship. You can put your complete trust in our team as we aggressively defend your honor and reputation. Schedule an initial consultation now with our skilled Texas criminal defense lawyers.
What is Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is the intentional exposure of one’s private parts in public. Under the Texas Penal Code Section 21.08, the prosecution must prove all of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction:
- The defendant exposed their anus, sexual organ, or any part of their genitals.
- The defendant acted with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
- The defendant was reckless about the presence of another person who will be offended or alarmed by the defendant’s sexual conduct.
Indecent exposure can take many forms. This type of conduct can be broadly interpreted and occur in several different circumstances. Publicly exposing genitals, mooning, or flashing certain body parts to other people can all be considered indecent exposure. Any person who has been charged with indecent exposure should seek legal advice from a reliable Houston indecent exposure lawyer who understands the nature of the charge.
What are the Penalties of Indecent Exposure in Texas?
The state of Texas considers indecent exposure to be a Class B misdemeanor offense. Texas courts take indecent exposure cases seriously and will work to prosecute proven offenders to the full extent of the criminal law. Certain aggravating circumstances, such as the presence of young children, can result in far more severe consequences.
When considering the potential stigma of having a conviction on your record, you can see why you need a knowledgeable Houston, TX, indecent exposure lawyer representing you during all phases of your criminal case to avoid a conviction.
The consequences for a conviction for an indecent exposure offense can include:
- Hefty fines up to $2,000
- Prison sentence for up to 180 days
- Sex offender registration
- A permanent criminal record
- Difficulty obtaining employment
- Suspension or revocation of a professional license
- Difficulty with rental housing approval
- Loss of custody or visitation of your children
- Damage to your immigration status or citizenship application
What are the Defenses Against Indecent Exposure Charges in Texas?
Being charged with indecent exposure does not necessarily mean that you are guilty. There are many ways to fight against this type of sex offense. If you have been charged with indecent exposure, a qualified Houston indecent exposure attorney can help you build the best defense strategy in your particular case. Some of the best defenses include the following claims:
Lack of Intent
In most indecent exposure cases, the actual intent of the alleged sex offender should be taken into consideration. You cannot be convicted of indecent exposure if you lack the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. There may not be the intent to sexually arouse someone in the course of the offense.
Intoxication
Intoxication can reduce a person’s ability to make rational decisions, and this fact is taken into account by the court. For example, if you were drunk at the time of your exposure, it could be used to show that under your normal conditions, you would never have acted in this way.
In some cases, this claim may help reduce the penalties associated with a conviction, although it is not considered a standard defense to indecent exposure. The court may consider the defendant’s level of intoxication when deciding whether or not to charge them with indecent exposure.
Insanity
Insanity or mental illness is one of the most common defenses to indecent exposure charges. A person diagnosed with a mental illness cannot face a criminal charge because they lack the mental capacity to understand what they are doing.
If the alleged sex offender has a reduced mental capacity, it may be argued that their intent and ability to understand are questionable. In these cases, they cannot rightfully be held accountable for their actions. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder, then your criminal defense attorney can use that to show that you did not know what you were doing when you exposed yourself to another person.
Lack of Exposure
Another possible defense against indecent exposure charges is lack of exposure. The accused may argue that their genitals were not exposed. Without sufficient evidence like photographs or videos, the prosecution may not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant’s private parts were exposed and they had the intent to arouse others.
Age of the Offender
In cases where the offender is a child, it is less likely that their intent was sexually-based. For this reason, a small child may not be charged with indecent exposure for being naked in public.
Call Our Experienced Indecent Exposure Attorney Now!
Being arrested for indecent exposure can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Although it may not seem like a serious crime, a conviction for indecent exposure or any other sex crime can follow you for the rest of your life. While the prospect of facing indecent exposure can be terrifying, the aid of our seasoned Houston, TX, indecent exposure attorneys at Scott M. Brown & Associates can make the situation feel less intimidating as you prepare and execute your defense.
Our criminal defense law firm has extensive knowledge and experience handling various sex offense charges. We can fight the allegations professionally and efficiently, helping you move closer to getting the charges reduced or dismissed. We will utilize every defense possible to represent your rights in court. The sooner you take action, the greater the odds of a positive outcome. Contact us now, and schedule an initial consultation with our trusted Texas criminal defense lawyers.
