Indecent exposure is a serious criminal charge in Arizona that can lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction. The seriousness of the charge and the sentence that is imposed on those who are convicted will vary based on the circumstances surrounding the indecent exposure act.
In Arizona, indecent exposure is defined as a situation in which a person purposefully and intentionally exposes their private body parts in a reckless manner. Both men and women can be charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix. The law states that anyone can be charged with this crime if they expose their genitalia, anus, areola or nipple in the presence of another person a manner that can be deemed offensive.
Arizona indecent exposure laws: What you need to know
There is a statewide law in Arizona against indecent exposure. A person commits indecent exposure if they reveal a private part of their body in an aggressive, reckless or unwanted manner, or in such a way that the other person may be offended by the act. It’s important to recognize that indecent exposure can only occur in specific environments, such as one in which nudeness is not acceptable or expected. For example, a person who is changing in the gym locker room cannot be charged with indecent exposure, as the act of nudity is accepted in this space. In addition, a mother who is breastfeeding her child in a public space cannot be charged with indecent exposure, as this is not an aggressive or reckless act of nudity.
Penalties associated with an indecent exposure conviction
The penalties for an indecent exposure conviction vary based on the circumstances surrounding the charge itself. Indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor charge in most cases. Penalties for a misdemeanor indecent exposure charge in Phoenix can include:
- Jail time for up to 6 months.
- Up to $2,500 in fines.
- Probation for up to 3 years, with the requirement to attend classes and counseling.
Indecent exposure is considered a felony charge if the person exposes themselves to a minor under the age of 15. Those who are charged with felony indecent exposure will face more significant penalties.
What to do next if you’ve been charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix
If you have been charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix, it’s important that you contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible. This allows the attorney to begin collecting evidence and formulating a plan to defend you in court. The right criminal defense attorney can get you the results you need during this challenging time.
An indecent exposure charge can lead to serious consequences that can have a lasting impact on your daily life for years to come. It is important to understand the definition of the indecent exposure law, and to work closely with a criminal defense attorney who can help advocate for you if you have been charged with indecent exposure in Phoenix. For more information on the best defense strategy against an indecent exposure charge in Arizona, contact our experienced criminal law firm today.
