Indecent Exposure Attorney in Los Angeles
Protecting Your Reputation & Future When Facing Sensitive Accusations
If you or someone you care about has been accused of indecent exposure in Los Angeles, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about what to do next. Allegations like this can affect your career, relationships, and standing in your community.
With so much at stake, choosing an indecent exposure attorney in Los Angeles who understands every aspect of these cases can change your future.
At Stein & Markus, our attorneys bring more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience to the table, including the invaluable perspective of a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor. We understand the unique local challenges these cases bring, and we are prepared to stand by your side through each step.
Contact Stein & Markus online or call (562) 512-7030 now. Secure a Los Angeles indecent exposure lawyer with the strategic edge of former prosecutors and take advantage of our free consultations. Hablamos español.
Understanding Indecent Exposure Laws in California
California Penal Code § 314 defines the crime of indecent exposure. It is critical to understand that the law requires more than just accidental or unintentional nudity in public; it hinges on the defendant's specific, criminal mental state. A highly skilled Los Angeles indecent exposure lawyer will focus the entire defense on dismantling the element of lewd intent.
Elements of the Crime (PC § 314)
The prosecution must prove all of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction:
- Willful Exposure: You intentionally and willfully exposed your bare genitals. Note: Accidental exposure, such as a wardrobe malfunction, is not sufficient.
- Lewd Intent: You exposed yourself with the intent to sexually gratify yourself or another person, or to sexually offend another person.
- Presence of Others: The exposure occurred in a public place, or in a place where there were present other persons who might be offended or annoyed thereby.
Aggravated Charges and Wobblers
While the first offense is generally a misdemeanor, the charge can be elevated:
- Aggravated Indecent Exposure (Felony/Misdemeanor "Wobbler"): If the exposure occurred after you entered an inhabited dwelling, trailer coach, or occupied part of any other building without consent, the charge can be prosecuted as a felony.
- Automatic Felony: A second or subsequent conviction for PC § 314 is automatically charged as a felony, as is a conviction for PC § 314 following a prior conviction for Lewd Acts with a Minor (PC § 288).
Our firm immediately investigates the facts to argue against any aggravating factors that could lead to felony charges.
Consequences of Sex Offender Registration
The penalties for a PC § 314 conviction are severe, particularly because of the mandatory registration requirement that attaches to both misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Direct Penalties
Misdemeanor (First Offense)
- Confinement: Up to 6 months in county jail
- Maximum fine: Up to $1,000
- Registration (PC § 290): Mandatory, minimum 10 years
Aggravated / Felony
- Confinement: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Maximum fine: Up to $10,000
- Registration (PC § 290): Mandatory, minimum 10 years
Collateral and Lifetime Consequences
One of the most serious consequences is the requirement for sex offender registration in Los Angeles. This can impact where you live, where you work, and how others see you for years to come.
- Residency Restrictions: Severely limited options on where you can live, particularly near schools, parks, and other places where children congregate.
- Employment Barriers: Loss of professional licenses (teaching, security, healthcare) and elimination from any job requiring a background check, which is virtually all stable employment.
- Travel Restrictions: Difficulty traveling internationally, as the designation may appear on federal watch lists.
- Child Custody/Visitation: The conviction can be used by the Family Court to severely restrict or terminate child custody and visitation rights, citing the registration status as being against the child's best interest.
- Immigration: Considered a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), which can lead to denial of visas, permanent residency, and deportation. Our firm provides immediate guidance on these critical immigration issues.
Each court in Los Angeles considers factors such as your previous criminal record, the details of the incident, and the arguments made by your defense team. Our attorneys have successfully helped clients in Los Angeles County protect their rights, avoid the harshest penalties, and achieve the best possible outcomes for their unique situations.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Indecent Exposure
If you have recently been accused of indecent exposure in Los Angeles, your next steps are critical. Try not to speak with law enforcement or anyone else about the allegation, because anything you say can be used against you. Avoid attempting to explain, apologize, or communicate with your accuser directly; these actions often make matters worse.
Your most effective step is to contact a legal team with local experience in indecent exposure defense. Acting quickly lets us work to protect your rights, safeguard key evidence, and guide you through the first stages of your case. Consultations are confidential and judgment-free. As soon as you reach out, we are prepared to act immediately.
If you are accused of indecent exposure, consider these immediate actions:
- Do not discuss the case with law enforcement or anyone else without an attorney present
- Preserve any evidence or messages you have, but do not attempt to alter anything
- Contact our office as soon as possible for confidential advice
- Follow legal instructions carefully and avoid posting about your situation online
Timely, informed action is the best way to give yourself the strongest defense in Los Angeles.
Why Choose Our Attorneys for Your Defense
Representation matters when you are defending yourself against indecent exposure charges. Stein & Markus stands out for more than just our decades of experience. Our team includes a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor with 33 years of courtroom practice. This means we understand exactly how these cases are built and challenged in Los Angeles courts.
Our attorneys have shaped California criminal law and are respected by local judges, prosecutors, and legal peers. We tailor defense strategies to your unique circumstances instead of relying on formulaic approaches. Our focus is on aiming for charge reductions, negotiating alternative solutions, or seeking not-guilty verdicts when possible. We are available for our clients 24/7, recognizing that criminal charges do not happen on a schedule. At every step, you will be treated with discretion, urgency, and the care we would give our own family.
How We Defend Indecent Exposure Allegations
Successfully defending against indecent exposure charges calls for a detailed, evidence-based approach and familiarity with local legal expectations. From the initial arrest through every appearance in a Los Angeles Superior Court location, our attorneys look closely at every fact and procedural detail. We examine the motivation behind accusations, check the reliability of witnesses, and spot any procedural missteps by law enforcement.
Having a former prosecutor on our team provides the insight needed to anticipate and counter prosecution tactics. Our depth of experience allows us to pursue every available defense, such as challenging identification, arguing intent, or seeking to have charges dismissed or reduced when appropriate. We keep you informed about every development, so you can make educated choices about your defense and future.
Types of Defense Strategies Our Team Uses
Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging whether the alleged conduct meets the legal definition of indecent exposure
- Questioning the reliability and perspective of witnesses
- Examining police procedures for violations that affect evidence admissibility
- Pursuing alternatives to prosecution when appropriate
- Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
This tailored approach means your defense is based on the facts and procedures specific to Los Angeles County.
Get Help Now—Call Us Today
No one should navigate an indecent exposure charge in Los Angeles without experienced legal guidance. With the right team, you can take control of your case and protect your future. When you reach out to us, you receive confidential and supportive counsel from a team that is focused on your goals and well-being.
We respond quickly, answer your questions, and act with urgency from your very first contact. Our clients know that we leverage decades of practical experience and a rare insider’s perspective from within the Los Angeles legal system.
To connect with an indecent exposure attorney in Los Angeles, call (562) 512-7030. Your privacy and future are our priorities.
Why Choose Stein & Markus?
What Makes Us Different
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We Provide Free ConsultationsTalk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.
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Work with a Former ProsecutorOur prosecutor turned defense attorney is ready to protect you!
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Hablamos EspañolWork with a criminal defense attorney who speaks your language.
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24/7 Help AvailableWhenever you need our lawyers, we're here to help you.
"Amazing work, I wouldn’t trust anyone else."
- Suzi S.