Public indecency charges in Fort Collins can result from showing intimate body parts in public. Exposing genitals, urinating in public, or having sex in a car can all lead to significant criminal charges. As summer winds down, college classes begin, and a long holiday weekend approaches, having a clothing mishap or going too far with a lover in your truck could be costly. Accusations or charges surrounding exposure of intimate parts requires representation from an experienced Fort Collins public indecency lawyer.
What is the Law on Public Indecency in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-7-301 defines the conduct of public indecency in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. Someone commits this crime in Larimer County if in public they:
- have sex,
- expose intimate parts (other than genitals) to arouse or satisfy sexual desire,
- lewdly fondle or caress another’s body,
- knowingly expose their genitals in order to offend someone
While the actions above may not be done in plain sight, if they occur in any public place or where members of the public might be, law enforcement can get involved. Additionally, peeing in public might not include the intent to offend anyone, but still meets the criteria of public indecency by potentially causing an affront or alarm to someone. Public Indecency also shares many similarities to the crime of Indecent Exposure.
What is the Penalty for Public Indecency in Larimer County?
Potential ramifications of public indecency depend largely on whether or not a person has prior convictions of the same or similar charge. As a first time offense, public indecency is a class 1 petty offense and can result in:
- up to 6 months in county jail,
- fines of up to $500
However, a second public indecency conviction within 5 years or a third / subsequent offense is a class 1 misdemeanor. Possible consequences can include:
- 6 – 18 months in county jail,
- fines of $500 – $5,000
- sex offender registration
Public Indecency | Larimer County Criminal Defense
An accusation or charge of public indecency can come as a surprise to many innocent people. Hiring a skilled Fort Collins public indecency lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Maybe the exposure itself was unintentional or perhaps there wasn’t anyone around to be offended. Nonetheless, contact our office for a FREE consultation where our strategic defense attorneys will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps.
If you or someone you know has been charged with public indecency, be smart. Contact the aggressive defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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