In Florida, exposure of sexual organs is classed as a sex crime. As defined in Florida Statute 800.03, it is a criminal offense to expose someone’s sexual organs, either in public places or on another’s premises, with lewd and lascivious intentions. Although indecent exposure may seem like a small and unimportant offense to many people, Florida treats indecent exposure as a very serious crime, with a conviction resulting in a permanent criminal record and significant penalties.
If you have been charged with indecent exposure in Bradenton, Florida, it is undoubtedly in your best interest to get in touch with a Bradenton criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Place, our attorneys possess over 75 years of combined experience in helping and supporting clients and professionally defending them in court, so get in touch with us today. Our law firm offers free, no-obligation consultations to any potential clients, where our lawyers can go through your case with you in detail and offer you valuable legal advice specific to you. So don’t hesitate. Call us now at (941) 444-4444! Phone lines are open 24/7.
Florida Law on Indecent Exposure
The following is stated about the offense of exposure of sexual organs under Florida Statute 800.03:
“A person commits unlawful exposure of sexual organs by exposing or exhibiting his or her sexual organs in public or on the private premises of another, or so near thereto as to be seen from such private premises, in a vulgar or indecent manner; or being naked in public in a vulgar or indecent manner.”
This means that it is illegal to be naked in any public places except for areas that are specifically set apart for this purpose. As with many laws, there are a few exceptions to this, such as breastfeeding.
If you have been charged with the exposure of sexual organs anywhere in the State of Florida, then it’s crucial that you contact The Law Place today. With our help, you will be increasing your chances of securing a favorable outcome, so call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Actions That Count as Indecent Exposure
In many cases, offenders may not understand that what they did was against the law and counts as indecent exposure. Below are just some of the common things that can result in you getting arrested for exposure of sexual organs.
- Flashing.
- Urinating in public.
- Mooning.
- Nude sunbathing.
- Streaking.
- Public masturbation.
- Skinny dipping.
- Nudist activities too close to others.
What the State Prosecutor Has to Prove to Convict You of Committing Exposure of Sexual Organs
Like with all crimes, the prosecution must be able to prove that you are guilty of indecent exposure beyond a reasonable doubt, and it’s the job of your lawyer to prevent this from happening.
In order to prove your crime beyond all reasonable doubt, the prosecutor must be able to prove the following:
- You were either naked or uncovered your sexual organs.
- You did this either in a public place, on the private property of someone else, or near enough to private property that someone can see you.
- You intended for the exposure or your nakedness to be in a vulgar, lewd, lascivious, or indecent manner.
- The exposure or nakedness was in a vulgar, lewd, lascivious, or indecent manner.
Penalties for Exposure of Sexual Organs
The crime of exposing your sexual organs is a first-degree misdemeanor in the State of Florida. This means that, if the prosecution is successful in securing a conviction, then the guilty person will be facing the following penalties:
- Up to 12 months in jail.
- Up to 12 months of probation.
- Up to $1,000 in fines.
As well as these penalties, people convicted of indecent exposure get a permanent criminal record, which can affect their ability to obtain employment, housing, professional licenses, and college places.
However, this doesn’t mean that you definitely will be sentenced to all or even any of these penalties if you are convicted of exposure of sexual organs. As with all crimes, the penalties that defendants receive depend entirely on the specific circumstances surrounding their case. With a skilled defense attorney on your side, the chances of you facing the most severe penalties will be minimized as much as possible.
Unfortunately, a conviction will still mean a permanent criminal record, and this can bring with it a lifelong stigma that can have a huge impact on your life and future. Our criminal defense team is determined to do everything possible to help you avoid a conviction. Our North Port lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of Florida law and years of experience in helping clients, so you can trust that by working with us, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance at a favorable outcome. So don’t hesitate! Call today and book a free consultation with The Law Place.
Defenses to Indecent Exposure
As soon as you enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney, they will begin building a defense on your behalf by investigating your case thoroughly. All cases are different, which means that defenses must be tailored to every detail of your specific case. However, some of the most common defenses that the team at The Law Place have successfully used to help clients charged with exposure of sexual organs cases are listed below:
- The exposure was an accident.
- There were no lewd and lascivious intentions behind the act.
- The defendant didn’t know that other people could see them.
- There is no proof that the defendant’s exposure was vulgar – just that they were exposed.
- The accusation was false.
- The defendant has been mistakenly identified.
- The act occurred during the course of breastfeeding or other exceptions.
With the help of the attorneys from The Law Place, it is possible that your charges will be reduced, dismissed, or that you will be acquitted of your charges. You can trust that our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence that will help strengthen your defense. So call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced lawyer!
Can You Seal or Expunge an Exposure of Sexual Organ Charge?
There are very few circumstances that leave you eligible for sealing or expunging an exposure of sexual organs charge. One of these is if a charge of exposing a sexual organ under Florida Statute 784.03 is dropped or dismissed, and you have no other convictions in Florida.
However, if you are actually convicted of exposing sexual organs, you will automatically never be able to seal or expunge that record or any other charge.
This is just one more reason why it’s so important to avoid a conviction. The attorneys at The Law Place have helped many clients seal and expunge their charges, so if you want to learn more, you should contact us today. Our lawyers will be happy to assist you.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for Me?
When you’re facing a charge as serious as indecent exposure, you may be feeling scared by the potential penalties and confused by Florida’s complex legal system. This is why it’s so crucial that you contact The Law Place. Our team will be able to support and guide you every step of the way. Our lawyers will also be able to take on the bulk of the hard work so that you don’t have to endure any extra, unnecessary stress.
Below are some of the many ways that our defense lawyers will be able to help you:
- Further research Florida Statutes and precedents that are relevant to your case.
- Examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest.
- Thoroughly investigate your case, interview eyewitnesses, review all police reports and official documents, and more.
- Ensure none of your rights are violated.
- Submit any necessary legal documents on your behalf.
- Build a strong defense and prepare to question the legitimacy and accuracy of the evidence that the prosecution brings against you.
- Represent you in court.
- Negotiate with the prosecution.
- Fight for the best outcome possible, whether that be a reduction or dismissal of your charges, an acquittal, or lenient penalties.
The Florida legal system is complex, and so it’s important to hire a criminal defense lawyer that is experienced and knowledgeable, just like those at The Law Place. Don’t disadvantage yourself in court. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you’ve been charged with exposure of sexual organs in Bradenton, then you need to enlist the help of a skilled attorney. A conviction will impact you for the rest of your life, so it’s crucial that you call The Law Place for help as soon as possible. The sooner you call us, the more time we will have to build a strong defense on your behalf, so don’t delay! By working alongside us, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance at a positive outcome, whether that be an acquittal, getting your charges reduced, or even getting them dismissed.
Call us now to book a free case evaluation at (941) 444-4444! Phone lines are open 24/7.
