Public indecency in Adams County, Colorado is an offense that includes performing sexual acts in public, urinating in public, or displaying private parts. Both exposing intimate parts and genitals apply to this crime. However, if the intent behind exposing genitals was to satisfy another's sexual desire, the more serious offense of indecent exposure is charged. Public display of private body parts can lead to time in jail, substantial fines, and sometimes sex offender registration if the act isn't your first. Alcohol often plays a part in this offense when tipsy citizens lose track of their surroundings. Consult an experienced public indecency defense attorney if you're facing allegations of exposing yourself in Colorado.

Adams County Public Indecency Law

Adams County's public indecency law makes several inappropriate gestures unlawful when done in view of another. C.R.S. 18-7-301 addresses acts of public indecency in Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton:

• ‘”any person who performs any of the following in a public place or where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by members of the public commits public indecency:
  • an act of sexual intercourse,
  • a lewd exposure of an intimate part of the body, not including the genitals, done with intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person,
  • a lewd fondling or caress of the body of another person,
  • or a knowing exposure of the person's genitals to the view of a person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.”

This opens the door to a great deal of behavior that could be considered public indecency. Keep in mind, this offense doesn't have to be done face-to-face. If a member of the public observes you doing one of the acts above, public indecency charges can result.

Is Public Indecency a Misdemeanor in Colorado?

Most acts of public indecency in Thornton and Commerce City are class 1 petty offenses. If this is your first offense of this nature, conviction can lead to:

• up to 180 days in county jail,
• maximum fine of $500

However, any prior convictions of public indecency or a similar crime amplifies the charge to a class 1 misdemeanor. Now, over a year in county jail and thousands in fines can apply for conviction. Furthermore, two scenarios require sex offender registration:

• 2nd conviction for public indecency within 5 years,
• 3rd or subsequent offense of public indecency

These penalties aren't something you want to endure for peeing outside of a bar or accepting that dare to streak through the park down the street.

Adams County Public Indecency Defense Attorney

Finding the right attorney when accusations of public indecency are looming is a critical step. We have decades of combined experience successfully helping clients navigate sex crimes and also achieving favorable results. Perhaps the exposure was accidental, didn't involve your genitals, or wasn't likely to cause affront or alarm. Nonetheless, contact our office for an important free consultation. Our skilled sex crime attorneys will carefully analyze your unique case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. We offer affordable fees and flexible payment plans so that strategic representation is a reality for you.

So, if you or someone you know is facing a public indecency charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Josh Felise