If you’re facing charges for public indecency in Indianapolis, IN, working with the right criminal defense lawyer is absolutely necessary. These offenses carry significant penalties, including jail or prison time, fines, and even registering as a sex offender in some cases.
It’s essential to take such allegations seriously due to their potential lasting impacts on your personal and professional life. Contact one of our attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC, by calling (317) 759-2599 to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis public indecency lawyer.
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How Suhre & Associates, LLC Can Help if You’re Arrested for Public Indecency in Indianapolis
If you’ve been arrested for a crime related to lewd conduct in Indianapolis, Indiana, it’s important to seek immediate legal assistance. At Suhre & Associates, LLC, we can provide crucial support and professional guidance as you handle this challenging situation.
Our Indianapolis sex crimes attorneys have more than 100 years of experience in total, and our team includes former police officers and prosecutors. We understand the criminal justice system inside and out. Here’s how we can help with your case:
- We will listen to your side of the story in detail and explain the charges against you.
- We will thoroughly investigate the charges against you, which will include speaking with witnesses.
- If needed, we will consult with expert witnesses whose input can be invaluable when building a compelling defense strategy.
- Our legal team has years of experience negotiating plea deals with prosecutors. Reducing sentencing or penalties through skilled negotiation could significantly lessen the impact on your life.
- In some cases, going to trial is unavoidable. We will present an effective defense, giving you the best chance at obtaining an acquittal.
We’re passionate about defending the rights of the accused. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to schedule a free case review.
Overview of Public Indecency Law in Indiana
Lewd conduct typically refers to actions that are considered indecent, obscene, or lascivious. In Indianapolis, one frequent charge associated with this kind of behavior is public indecency.
As outlined by state law, a person is guilty of public indecency if, knowingly or intentionally, in a public place, they:
- Engage in sexual intercourse; or
- Engage in other explicit sexual conduct; or
- Appear nude with the intention of arousing their own or someone else’s sexual desires; or
- Fondle their genitals or the genitals of another person.
This is not an exhaustive list of when public indecency is committed in Indiana, but this is the type of behavior that frequently leads to charges.
What Are the Penalties for Public Indecency Convictions in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The penalties for public indecency in Indianapolis vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. In general, this charge is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 1 year in prison along with fines reaching $5,000.
In other instances, public indecency can be classified as a Class C misdemeanor. This occurs when you engage in sexual behavior in a private place but in a way that is visible to others who aren’t invitees or occupants of the area. If charged for this behavior, the penalties imposed may include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Charges become more severe if you have prior convictions for similar misconduct; under those circumstances, you will be charged with a Level 6 felony, carrying potential penalties of 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, it is possible that you may have to register as a sex offender. This could lead to a substantial reduction in your freedoms going foward.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Public Indecency in Indianapolis?
When faced with public indecency charges related to lewd conduct, there are several potential defense strategies your attorney could utilize. Some common ones include:
Consent
A consent defense comes into play when you argue that the other person willingly participated in, or observed, your actions without any coercion on your part. The challenge here is producing tangible evidence, as this often comes down to a he-said/she-said situation.
Misidentification
Mistaken identity can occur frequently in criminal cases and can be used as a defense. You would need to provide evidence that you were incorrectly identified by witnesses or victims (or falsely accused). The best way to do this is to provide an alibi showing that you were somewhere else when the alleged crime occurred.
Accidental Behavior
Another approach is to argue that whatever led to the allegations was an accident and not something done intentionally on your part. This can involve presenting an alternative explanation for your actions to dispute or undermine the prosecution’s contention that you engaged in the behavior intentionally.
Given the complexity and potentially life-altering consequences of lewd conduct charges, it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can explore each possible defense strategy.
If you’re facing public indecency charges, don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a free case evaluation today with our knowledgeable and experienced Indianapolis public indecency lawyers.
We can discuss the specifics of your charge, map out potential strategies, and answer the many questions you have about what lies ahead. Remember – time is of the essence in these cases; reach out as soon as possible so we can start building your defense.
