Colorado’s Indecent Exposure Laws

Like most states, Colorado has laws against indecent exposure—exposing yourself in a sexual manner to cause alarm or offense. Being convicted of indecent exposure can have a dramatic impact on your life, as you will be required to register as a sex offender. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Denver, CO if indecent exposure charges are made against you. Here is a closer look at the laws that apply to indecent exposure and the potential penalties.

Public Indecency

Public indecency falls into the category of indecent exposure laws, but it is a less serious charge than indecent exposure. Public indecency occurs when someone has sex in a public place in view of others, exposes intimate parts aside from the genitals—such as the breasts—in a manner considered to be lewd, fondles someone’s body in a lewd manner, or exposes his or genitals to someone in a way that is intended to alarm or offend.

Public indecency is a Class 1 petty offense. It can be punished by a fine of up to $500 and a jail sentence of up to six months. The second public indecency charge can become a Class 1 misdemeanor if the first charge involved exposing the genitals. The punishment for a misdemeanor public indecency charge can be up to $100,000 in fines and 18 months in prison. In some cases, you may also be required to register as a sex offender.

Indecent Exposure

To be charged with indecent exposure, a person must expose his or her genitals in an alarming or offensive way with the purpose of sexually satisfying someone or masturbate where other people can see in a way that alarms or offends. The genitals do not need to be exposed during masturbation for indecent exposure charges.

Indecent exposure is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face 18 months in prison and fines of $100,000. You will also be required to register a sex offender. Your criminal defense attorney may attempt to have indecent exposure charges reduced to public indecency to lessen your punishment and to attempt to keep you off the registry.