I recently came across an article in the news that caused me to stop and think about how ridiculous and paranoid our justice system is when it comes to crimes that make us uncomfortable. According to the article, a 3-year-old boy got in trouble with the law for public urination. You read that right – a three-year-old boy, not a thirty-year-old man. In this situation, it is perfectly illustrated that our country doesn't know how to respond correctly to sex offenses in Denver, Adams, or Jefferson County. Our justice system is running scared. Let's take a closer look at this case, and also a law related to public urination in Colorado.

Toddler Pees in Public: Isn't This Normal Behavior?

Apparently, the toddler was in the midst of being potty trained, and couldn't find a restroom nearby. So, he unzipped and peed in his front yard. A nearby policeman saw what happened, and ticketed the mother for her son's public urination. Now, I ask that you step back and ask yourself a question: Is it really that weird for a toddler to pee in public? If you've had kids, younger siblings, or nieces and nephews, you'll know the answer. It isn't weird for a child to pee in public. It isn't socially acceptable, but it isn't a criminal act. After national outrage over the incident, the police department dropped all charges and issued an apology. Thankfully, law enforcement was humble enough to realize they made a mistake. Fortunately, he wasn't charged with Indecent Exposure. Police officers and sheriff's deputies in Arapahoe, El Paso, and Douglas County aren't always so willing to swallow their pride.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”70%”]A child peeing in public shouldn't be a criminal act.[/pullquote]

Public Urination = Public Indecency in Colorado

In Colorado, Public Indecency – C.R.S. 18-7-301 is often charged when a person urinates in public. A first-time conviction is a petty offense. But, a second conviction results in misdemeanor charges and a much more serious consequence – it is considered to be a sex offense. If you pee in public one too many times, you will be required to register as a sex offender and go through Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) treatment. If you have a habit of using back alleys to relieve yourself after a night out drinking – you might want to reconsider: You don't want to end up going through sex offender treatment with serious sex offenders and registering as a sex offender.

Charged for Public Urination? Why You Need a Lawyer

If you have been charged with Public Indecency for peeing in public in Eagle County, you might think it's not a big deal – after all, a petty offense isn't too bad. Don't fall into this thinking. If you are charged for the same crime in the future, you will be required to register as a sex offender and go through treatment. Don't put yourself in this position – fight the charges against you to avoid a first-time conviction.

Request a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with Public Indecency for public urination, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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