Many people who are charged with exposing his or her genitals in a public place or in another location where other people are present do not expect to face criminal charges. In many cases, alleged offenders were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and thought they were acting humorously rather than engaging in conduct that would offend other people.
The truth is that a person who exposes his or her genitals to another person in Pennsylvania can face serious criminal charges. In addition to possible imprisonment and fines, a conviction for this crime also brings tremendous shame because of the embarrassing conduct being immortalized on the alleged offender's criminal record.
Philadelphia Indecent Exposure Lawyers
If you were arrested after allegedly exposing your genitals in public or to another person, you should speak to a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. The Criminal Law Team understands the unnecessary stress that these types of charges cause for alleged offenders, and he will work to quickly achieve a favorable outcome to your case.
LLF Law Firm helps clients throughout Philadelphia County as well as many surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call 888-535-3686 right now to schedule a free, confidential consultation that will allow our firm to review your case and discuss all of your legal options.
Philadelphia County Indecent Exposure Information Center
- How does the location and the age of people present during the alleged offense affect the criminal charges?
- What are the possible consequences if a person is convicted of this offense?
- Are there any defenses against these charges?
Pennsylvania Indecent Exposure Charges
Depending on the specific circumstances of the alleged offender's exposure, he or she could face one or all of the following criminal charges:
- Indecent Exposure, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 3127 — If an alleged offender exposes his or her genitals in any public place or in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances in which he or she knows or should know that this conduct is likely to offend, affront, or alarm, this is a second-degree misdemeanor. If the alleged offender knew or should have known that any of the persons present were less than 16 years of age, this is a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Open Lewdness, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 5901 —It is a third-degree misdemeanor if an alleged offender does any lewd act which he or she knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed. This may be the criminal charge if an alleged offender exposes his or her genitals from a private place (such as a home) that was viewable by the public.
- Disorderly Conduct, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 5503 — It is a third-degree misdemeanor if an alleged offender, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, either engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior, makes unreasonable noise, uses obscene language, or makes an obscene gesture, or creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the alleged offender. The word "public" means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access, including such locations as highways, transport facilities, schools, prisons, apartment houses, places of business or amusement, any neighborhood, or any premises which are open to the public.
Indecent Exposure Penalties in Philadelphia
The possible consequences of a conviction for any of the above charges can be quite severe. Depending on the specific criminal offense that an alleged offender has been charged with, he or she could be sentenced to the following punishments:
- Third-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence of one year in jail and maximum fine of $2,500
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence of two years in jail and maximum fine of $5,000
- First-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence of five years in jail and maximum fine of $10,000
Pennsylvania Indecent Exposure Defenses
Capable legal counsel may be able to raise any one of a number of defenses to help get these charges against an alleged offender reduced or completely dismissed. Some of the most common defenses include, but are not limited to:
- No criminal intent
- Alleged offender did not actually expose his or her genital
- Lack of evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Police procedural errors
Find the Best Indecent Exposure Lawyer in Philadelphia
Have you been charged with allegedly exposing your genitals to another person or in a public place? You should immediately contact a knowledgeable and dedicated criminal defense attorney.
The Criminal Law Team of LLF Law Firm represents people accused of sex crimes in Philadelphia County and nearby communities in Pennsylvania. He can provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call 888-535-3686 to take advantage of a free consultation.
