The use of alcohol and drugs is often the cause of people being charged with crimes in Douglas, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County. Sex offenses are especially easy to commit, because people make choices when they are drunk they could regret later. I read a perfect example of this the other day. A man was arrested in Denver for running through a grocery store parking lot “in excited delirium”, and naked from the waist down. This surprising sight led to people calling the police, and the man was arrested. He will likely face charges of Public Indecency. Let's look at this crime to see how a person can be charged.

What is Public Indecency in Colorado?

Public Indecency is charged in Boulder, Broomfield, Adams County and across Colorado when a person exposes their genitals in public in a way which is likely to cause alarm. The man was naked from the waist down, so his genitals were likely in full view. He could be charged with Indecent Exposure instead of Public Indecency; the line is blurry between these two offenses. But, Indecent Exposure is charged when a person's genitals are shown in public view with the intent to cause sexual arousal.

Often, District Attorneys will overcharge a person with the more serious crime of Indecent Exposure (which is a sex offense). Then, they offer a plea agreement to the defendant, hoping they'll simply accept. Unfortunately, pleading guilty to a crime won't allow you to seal your record in the future. And, a second conviction of Public Indecency (for showing genitals to cause alarm) will result in a sex offense charge. This means you would be required to register as a sex offender and go through sex offender treatment.

Why You Need the Best Defense Lawyer in Denver

While we don't know why the man in the grocery store parking lot was in an “excited delirium,” we can assume it was because he had done drugs or was intoxicated. Alcohol takes away people's inhibition and sense of propriety. And, people often don't remember what they did when they were drunk or high. Your level of intoxication isn't taken into account when you are charged with a crime. This is why you need an expert criminal defense attorney fighting on your behalf. Don't let a night of partying ruin your future – fight to protect it by working with an aggressive lawyer who will be your advocate and get you the best possible outcome in court.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Public Indecency, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best 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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