Sacramento Public Indecency Lawyer

Sacramento Public Indecency Attorney

When you’re facing accusations or charges of a sex crime, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Speak with an educated Sacramento public indecency lawyer about your situation as soon as possible to ease your stress and get a strong start to your case. At the Law Office of Conor Bell, we understand the anxiety and severity of facing the criminal court system. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and advocate on your behalf.

What Is Considered Public Indecency in California?

Public indecency, or indecent exposure as it’s sometimes called, is considered a type of sex crime in the state of California. In 2021, there were nearly 4,500 felony arrests for sex crimes, excluding charges of rape which was categorized as a violent crime. Of these sex crime arrests, 1,444 were identified as cases involving lewd and lascivious conduct.

In California, lewd and lascivious conduct includes any sexual act or behavior done in a public setting that would be deemed offensive to the standards of decency. Public spaces include parking lots or garages, stores, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, and other indoor or outdoor areas accessible to the public. Lewd behavior charges are considered more serious than indecent exposure or public indecency charges.

Public indecency can refer to numerous instances that don’t necessarily involve the intentional exposure of one’s genitals or naked body; the offense is known as indecent exposure, despite the two crimes often being conflated. These are some of the unlawful acts that can result in public indecency charges in Sacramento:

• Groping or fondling another person while in view of those in public places and accessible spaces
• Engaging in public sexual acts
• Masturbating in any area that’s accessible to the public, including making lewd gestures to others or in the general view of the public

Possible Penalties for a Public Indecency Conviction

Whether you’re facing public indecency or indecent exposure charges, the legal penalties you may face upon conviction can vary depending on multiple factors. These factors include the nature of the alleged offense, where it occurred, and the number of people who witnessed the act.

The distinction between public indecency and indecent exposure is important because a convicted defendant is required to register as a sex offender only if the offense involved indecent exposure. The requirement to enter the sex offender register carries significant consequences. This designation can last for a long time, impacting your career and housing opportunities. Other criminal penalties include serving a jail sentence or paying a fine.

Criminal cases in Sacramento are processed by the Sacramento County Superior Court system. The Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse is the primary legal venue that handles criminal cases for the county. The courthouse is located at 720 9th Street in Sacramento, CA 95814. Some pre-trial proceedings for felony cases may go through the Lorenzo Patiño Hall of Justice, located at 651 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. You can ask your lawyer for further information.

Why You Should Work With a Public Indecency Lawyer

While you are never required to hire legal counsel when facing criminal charges in California, it’s generally considered wise to consult a defense law professional for the most ideal outcome. Even if your case appears to be a simple misunderstanding to you, that doesn’t mean the courts will view the circumstances in the same way.

It’s strongly advised that you avoid trying to represent yourself in court because it’s more likely to be viewed negatively and damaging to your case. It’s also not a good idea to forgo an experienced lawyer’s representation because you plan to accept the charges and not fight the criminal accusations. By having a defense attorney counsel and represent you, you can avoid being unjustly treated or penalized.

FAQs

Is Public Indecency the Same as Lewd Conduct?

In California, the crimes of public indecency and lewd and lascivious conduct are similar but distinct. Lewd conduct entails behaviors or actions done within a public place that would be deemed offensive or inappropriate according to society’s standards.

Many times, this charge alludes to crimes involving minors and is considered more serious than public indecency or indecent exposure. Public indecency is a broad category of sex crimes committed in public, while indecent exposure is a specific type of sex crime.

Can You Fight Public Indecency Charges in California?

Yes, it’s certainly possible for you to fight criminal charges for public indecency, indecent exposure, and other similar offenses in California. It’s usually recommended that you fight any charges against you because you may be able to get the charges lessened or the case dropped altogether.

This isn’t possible if you simply accept the charges. If you are convicted of an offense, your defense lawyer may be able to fight for you to be given minimal penalties where possible.

What Crimes Fall Under Public Indecency in California?

In California, a public indecency charge may refer to illegal acts such as:

• Masturbating or making lewd gestures in a public setting
• Engaging in sexual acts with another person in public, regardless of whether all parties are consenting adults
• Groping, fondling, or inappropriately touching any person while in view of the public or in spaces accessible to the public

Do I Need a Lawyer for Public Indecency in California?

In California, you are not legally required to work with a defense lawyer for a public indecency charge or any criminal offense. However, it is strongly advised that you allow a qualified criminal defense attorney to represent you.

This is because an experienced lawyer has a deep understanding of the criminal court system and its procedures. Your attorney is there to protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Defense for Public Indecency Charges in Sacramento

No matter what your circumstances, you deserve to have qualified legal counsel who will fight for you. Reach out to the team at the Law Office of Conor Bell today to schedule a consultation with an experienced defense attorney.