Top Rio Rancho, NM Indecent Exposure Lawyers Near You
500 Marquette Avenue NW, Suite 1286, Albuquerque, NM 87102
201 Third Street N.W., Suite 1800, Albuquerque, NM 87102
320 Gold Ave. SW, Suite 1111, Albuquerque, NM 87102
2040 Fourth St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
620 Roma Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
1011 Lomas Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102
1008 5th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-2141
818 5th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
901 3rd St NW, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87102
1011 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-1952
2701 Arizona Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
2155 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Suite 10400, Albuquerque, NM 87110
507 Roma NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
924 Park Ave SW, Suite E, Albuquerque, NM 87102
500 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
6501 Americas Parkway NE, Suite 670, Albuquerque, NM 87110
500 Tijeras Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
1804 Lomas BLVD NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
500 Marquette Avenue NW, Suite 200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
3500 Comanche Road, Bldg D, Albuquerque, NM 87107
201 3rd St NW, Suite 500, Albuquerque, NM 87102
500 Marquette Avenue NW, Suite 1203, Albuquerque, NM 87102
5501 Eagle Rock Ave NE, Suite C2, Albuquerque, NM 87113
6801 Jefferson Street Northwest, Suite 210, Albuquerque, NM 87109
201 12th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Rio Rancho Indecent Exposure Information
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What Qualifies as Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is showing private body parts in public. Depending on the jurisdiction, “indecent” body parts may include genitals, buttocks, or breasts. If someone flashes their genitals, buttocks, or breasts in public, they may be charged with indecent exposure. Intentional exposure could also include masturbation in view of another person.
Public nudity can be considered indecent exposure, depending on the intent of the individual and the location of the alleged offense. For example, taking off your clothes in a place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy may not be considered indecent, even if someone else sees you. Alternatively, a dancer taking off their clothes at a strip club may not be considered indecent because it is a private location and nudity is not unexpected.
What Happens If You Get Charged With Indecent Exposure in New Mexico?
If you are charged with indecent exposure, you may be arrested and booked into jail. After release from jail, you may be scheduled for an upcoming court appearance. If you fail to show up to court, you could have a bench warrant issued for your arrest.
During the arraignment, you may be asked how you plead to the criminal charges. Pleading guilty will lead to sentencing. If you plead not guilty or no contest, your case may be scheduled for a future hearing or trial. During this time, you can contact a criminal defense attorney for legal representation.
The prosecutor or district attorney (D.A.) has the burden of proving every element of the criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The elements of an indecent exposure offense may include:
- The defendant willfully exposed his or her genitals in the presence of another person who might be offended; and
- The defendant acted lewdly or for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual desire, or gratification.
What Are the Penalties of an Indecent Exposure Conviction?
An Indecent exposure charge may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony sex crime depending on the circumstances. The penalties for indecent exposure depend on the jurisdiction and surrounding circumstances. As a misdemeanor, a conviction for indecent exposure may include:
- Up to 12 months in county jail
- Fines
- Sex offender designation
- Probation
Aggravating factors can increase the penalties. Criminal penalties may increase for subsequent offenses, exposure to children, entering someone’s home, or with a prior criminal history of indecent exposure. As a felony charge, indecent exposure can result in:
- More than 1 year in prison
- Fines
- Lifetime sex offender registration
A felony conviction also has further consequences after serving your sentence. Your criminal record may be a public document and any background check can show prior convictions. However, there are additional restrictions for felony crimes. As a convicted felon, it may be more difficult to find a job, get an apartment, or you may not be allowed to own a firearm.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure may qualify as a registerable offense. As a registered sex offender, the defendant may be required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Sex offenders have to continue to notify law enforcement agencies annually or any time they move. Sex offenders may be limited in where they can live, what jobs they can have, and even be restricted in volunteer opportunities.
Sex offender registration is generally accessible by the public. State websites allow users to search for sex offenders by name or by location. If you show up on a sex offender registry, it may include:
- Name
- Photograph
- Address
- Identifying information
- Sex offenses
Failure to register or moving without notifying law enforcement can be a criminal offense. If you have other questions about sex offender registration or limitations for registered offenders, talk to your criminal defense lawyer for legal advice.
How Can an Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyer Help?
There are legal defense options for anyone charged with a sex crime charge. If accused of exposure of genitals, there may be innocent explanations for your actions. Common defenses include:
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Exposure in a private location
- No sexual conduct or sexual motivation
- Unintentional exposure
For example, in many cases, the police will arrest someone for indecent exposure for public urination. However, public urination may not be considered exposure because the defendant had no intent to expose themselves to others. An indecent exposure attorney can help you understand your rights and identify the best legal defense options.