What do you think of when you hear someone was convicted of Public Indecency in Westminster Municipal Court? Exposure of one’s breasts or genitals? Lewd conduct harmful to children? Would you want a man or woman with this crime on their record working for you?
An Embarrassing and Foolish Law for the City of Westminster
In the City of Westminster, Public Indecency, 6-4-1, W.M.C., includes “An excretory function, including urination, defecation or expectoration.” Don’t clear your throat and spit in a park, on a street, or in your yard, or you’ve committed Public Indecency and your future is toast. While this crime is necessary for true sex offenses, it is foolish to include spitting within the definition. Otherwise, this law’s definition is nearly identical to the State of Colorado law for Public Indecency, C.R.S. 18-7-301.
Does the Westminster City Government Just Not Care About its Citizens?
Sometimes, smaller city governments like Westminster are unresponsive to concerns of their citizens, or are so far removed from the real world that they just don’t get it. What if a child or a young adult, just starting their career, were charged for spitting on the grass? Imagine the difficulty this person would have finding housing and employment with a “Public Indecency” conviction. Being convicted of this crime is way too close to being labeled a sex offender – even if not a true sex offender. Landlords and employers would not waste a moment to reject this applicant.
We need government leaders who are responsible to their citizens regarding the laws they enact. Labeling spitting as a “Public Indecency” crime fails the test. The Westminster City Council, the Westminster City Attorney and the Westminster Police Department all need to do the right thing and move spitting to another crime classification.
Call our experienced lawyers at 303-731-0719 if you run into this crazy law. Then, come in for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.