Accused of Indecent Exposure in Houston?
All Sex Crime Convictions Are SERIOUS!
Call Jack B. Carroll & Associates for help today! 713-228-4607
Unlike the exposure crime of Public Lewdness, Indecent Exposure does not require that the act of exposure take place in public. Indecent Exposure only requires another person to be offended or alarmed by the action of the Defendant, and can also be triggered if the Defendant’s actions are considered “reckless”.
While Indecent Exposure is only a Class B misdemeanor, if you have a previous arrest or conviction for Indecent Exposure, there may be a requirement to register as a Sex Offender if convicted a second time. If you are charged with Indecent Exposure, contact an experienced sex crimes lawyer immediately so that your case can be reviewed.
Indecent Exposure & Texas Law
A person commits this act if they knowingly expose their genitals to another person with the intent to arouse themselves.
Punishment Overview
Indecent Exposure is a Class B Misdemeanor, carrying a range of punishment of up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
Sex Offender Registration
While typically a charge of Indecent Exposure will not result in a requirement to register as a Sex Offender, the Texas Penal Code does make some exceptions. If you have been previously convicted of Indecent Exposure and are charged for a second time, you may be required to register as a sex offender if the second offense resulted in a conviction.
Sex offender registration can involve many conditions. They are dictated primarily by the court or presiding judge in which the suspect was convicted, or parole board at the time of the prisoner’s release. These conditions vary based on the individual offender. Many (but not all) of these restrictions govern:
- Where the registrant can live and work;
- Places they may and may not frequent (like types of restaurants, parks, and other entertainment venues);
- Counties and states they can visit (other than the one in which they are registered, and how long they can remain out of their registered county);
- And whom they may contact or associate with.
Felony Sex Crime Convictions
The Unfortunate Aftermath for Offenders
If convicted of a felony sex crime, restrictions are also placed on several of your civil rights and activities such as:
- Right to Vote
- Right to Hold Public Office
- Right to Bear Arms
- This restriction lasts for five years after release from prison. And it can last longer if you do not go through the process of having your gun rights restored. But even then you can only possess firearms in your residence, and may not carry a gun beyond your residential property.
- Ability to Serve on a Jury
- Convicted felons lose the right to serve on any jury for the rest of their lives.
Charged with Indecent Exposure in Houston?
Call Jack B. Carroll & Associates for Assistance.
If you’re the subject of an investigation or are facing criminal charges for Indecent Exposure, Houston sex crimes lawyer Jack B. Carroll urges you to arrange a meeting as soon as possible and we’ll review your case thoroughly.
Serious criminal cases and investigations are best left in the hands of professional criminal defense lawyers. Preferably, those who are well-versed in criminal law, executing legal strategies, assuring that any law enforcement investigations are fair, and more important than anything else, winning your case. By working with an experienced sex crimes lawyer, you’ll have a better chance to avoid the penalties and social stigma connected with any criminal charges of a sexual nature.
Jack B. Carroll is a seasoned criminal law attorney who is also Board Certified® in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by a small percentage of Texas lawyers. If you’re ready to consult with a proven winner, call 713-228-4607 or message our legal team by clicking or pressing here.
Resources
- Texas Penal Code Chapter 21: Sexual Offenses
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Sex Abuse Exonerations
- HPD: Sex Crimes Division
- Reason: False Sex Crime Accusations Destroys Family, Legally
- Harris County DA: Victim Resources
- Office for Victims of Crimes