Who really knows why it happened? The only thing that matters is you’ve been charged with indecent exposure. The good news is that it’s your first brush with the law. What’s more, it’ll probably never happen again. Now it’s time to prepare an effective legal defense to limit the damage.
Depending on the severity of the charge, a first indecent exposure offense is likely to be charged as a misdemeanor crime. According to the Texas Penal Code, there are three classes of misdemeanor crimes in Texas, with a Class A misdemeanors being the most serious.
Misdemeanor crimes are punishable by incarceration, probation and financial penalties. Certain misdemeanor offenses, due to the nature and scope of the crime, can result in penalties such as suspension of driving privileges, community service and mandatory treatment or education classes. Additionally, there are instances when a misdemeanor charge can be elevated to a felony charge.
No one wants a criminal record, but first time criminal defendants have a few things going for them. Sure, an indecent exposure charge can be embarrassing. That’s why it’s important to find a solution to your legal problem as soon as possible. First and foremost, your defense attorney should immediately speak with the prosecutor to determine whether the filing of formal charges can be avoided altogether. Your first time offender status will certainly help in this regard.
The prosecuting attorney needs to hear your side of the story. Your previous history as an upstanding member of the community should also be emphasized. Providing the names of any witnesses that can verify your version of the alleged indecent exposure incident is another way to help the process along. First time offenders may also benefit from one of the following opportunities to lessen the effect of a criminal charge.
Entry into a diversion or pre-trial program allows a criminal defendant to avoid going to court in exchange for completing specific programs or requirements. Diversion program participants are also expected to avoid additional arrests. All criminal charges will be dismissed once the diversion program is completed.
If your arrest for indecent exposure was related to an ongoing addiction problem, you may be eligible for a supervised treatment program. The mandatory treatment requirement may be part of a pre-trial intervention or probation program. This is another way to avoid a misdemeanor conviction.
The otherwise clean record of a criminal defendant may make them eligible for a favorable plea bargain arrangement. Obtaining leniency by negotiating a deal with the prosecuting attorney and the judge can quickly resolve a criminal case. The defendant may agree to a given sentence or probation while avoiding a formal conviction. A plea bargain agreement can also help you keep your job.
The first step to dealing with your legal troubles is to hire a criminal defense lawyer. The best attorneys are those who specialize in sex crimes. They have a good understanding of which defenses work and which don’t work. Get on the phone with Brett A. Podolsky today by calling 713.227.0087.
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