The first thing you need to understand is that indecent exposure is a sexual crime. The party may have been fun, but you won’t get much sympathy from friends, family and certainly not the prosecuting attorney. An indecent exposure defendant should do everything possible to prepare an effective defense to avoid a criminal conviction. Your reputation, family and future may be at stake.
The Texas Penal Code provides serious penalties for indecent exposure convictions. Participating in one of the following activities could result in indecent exposure charges being filed:
Indecent exposure is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. The available penalties include a maximum jail sentence of six months and a potential fine of up to $2,000. Depending on the nature and scope of the offense, an indecent exposure defendant can also be sentenced to probation and other forms of punishment. Multiple indecent exposure convictions are likely to result in mandatory sex offender registration.
Crimes of a sexual nature often arise from misunderstandings or personal conflicts. It’s important to take the initiative by conducting a thorough investigation of the unique circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. The prosecutor needs to hear your side of the story before the case gets to court.
Aggressively challenging the evident flaws in the prosecution’s case could bring about a dismissal or reduction of charges. Sexual crimes inevitably produce a negative reaction by the media, professional associates and even family members. It’s important to protect your legal rights by insisting that the prosecution prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be a high legal standard to achieve.
The circumstances that led to your arrest should also be carefully scrutinized. The police must have probable cause to make an arrest. Any arrest that fails to meet established legal guidelines can be invalidated by the court. Bringing about a favorable outcome requires thorough knowledge of applicable Texas statutes, the court system and relevant case law.
Indecent exposure is frequently treated as a frivolous criminal charge. Nothing could be further from the truth. Merely compiling a criminal record can dramatically affect your ability to obtain housing, educational services and employment. When a sexual crime appears on a background check, it’s easy to imagine the possible ramifications. Background checks are ubiquitous these days. Escaping their penetrating digital eye is nearly impossible.
If you have been accused of indecent exposure, then you need to hire an attorney before it’s too late. The best thing you can do is hire a criminal defense attorney who specializes in sex crimes. Get on the phone with Brett A. Podolsky today by calling 713.227.0087.
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