Experienced Attorneys Representing Individuals Charged With Indecent Exposure in Connecticut
At Koffsky & Felsen, LLC, our Connecticut indecent exposure attorneys combine a strong work ethic, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the law to defend and protect the rights of our clients. If you or your loved one was charged with indecent exposure or public indecency in Connecticut, you need a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side. To arrange a strictly private initial consultation, please call our Connecticut law office at (203) 327-1500 or contact us online.
What is Indecent Exposure in Connecticut?
Indecent exposure is defined as the purposeful public display of one’s genitals or sexual organs. In most cases, indecent exposure is committed for the offender’s sexual gratification. Typically, this offense is charged under Connecticut’s general public indecency law. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-186, a defendant may be charged with public indecency if they:
- Perform an act of sexual intercourse in a public place;
- Expose their body with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire; or
- Fondle or caress another person in a lewd manner in public.
Connecticut defines the term public place in a relatively broad manner. Under state law, a public place means any location where the conduct in question should be reasonably expected to be viewed by others. In other words, an individual could potentially be charged with indecent exposure or public indecency for an act that occurred on private property—even on their own property. For example, a person could face indecent exposure charges after allegedly displaying their sexual organs through a street-facing window.
The Penalties for Indecent Exposure in Connecticut
In most cases, indecent exposure and public indecency is charged as a Class B misdemeanor offense in Connecticut. To be clear, this type of misdemeanor charge is still a serious criminal offense that could result in jail time. Under state law, a Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Of course, the penalties that prosecutors decide to pursue in any given indecent exposure case will depend on the nature of the allegations along with the prior conduct of the defendant. The more egregious the indecent exposure is deemed to be, the more likely the defendant is to face the maximum possible criminal penalties.
Indecent Exposure Can Result in More Serious Charges
There are a number of different aggravating factors that could result in an indecent exposure incident being charged as a serious felony offense. For example, if there was touching or any type of contact with a non-consenting party, you could be charged with sexual assault charges rather than public indecency charges. Sexual assault charges are far more serious than a public indecency charge.
Furthermore, any indecent exposure offense that is alleged to have involved a minor will be taken far more seriously. In these types of cases, the defendant can face felony charges. A conviction on a sex-crimes related felony could trigger mandatory registration on Connecticut’s sex offender database in addition to serious jail time and fines.
Possible Defenses to an Indecent Exposure Charge in Connecticut
In order to obtain a conviction in an indecent exposure case, the state must establish all required elements of the crime. Depending on the specific nature of your case, any of the following legal defenses may be available:
- Mistake in Identity or Mistake in Fact: One defense against an indecent exposure charge is to assert that the allegations raised against the defendant are simply false—either because there has been a mistake in identifying the guilty party or the accuser misstated or misinterpreted the events that actually took place.
- Lack of Sexual Intent: Another defense to indecent exposure is lack of sexual intent. As an example, Connecticut typically does not charge the act of public urination—assuming there is no sexual element—as public indecency.
- Lack of Intent to Display Act to the Public: In some cases, lewdness may have been truly unintentional. If, for example, a couple engaged in sexual intercourse or fondling, but displayed the act to the public by accident, they may have a valid defense.
Of course, as with every criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of presenting evidence that proves the charge it is pursuing. If prosecutors are unable to produce evidence supporting an indecent exposure charge, the case should be dismissed. On the other hand, if the prosecutors have strong evidence to support the charge, the best defense strategy may be to focus on reducing the charge or the penalties.
Why Choose Koffsky & Felsen, LLC
If you are facing a serious criminal charge such as indecent exposure, you need the right defense attorney on your side. At Koffsky & Felsen, LLC, we take a comprehensive 360 degree review of the criminal proceedings. We approach each and every case using a rigorous and disciplined process. Among other things, our CT criminal defense attorneys are prepared to:
- Listen to your story and explain the charges against you;
- Investigate the indecent exposure charges to locate and obtain favorable evidence on your behalf;
- Rigorously identify your available options; and
- Build an effective defense strategy that is well-suited for your case.
Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys believe in providing attentive, individualized representation to our clients. Your case should be handled with care, commitment, and tenacity. With a deep understanding of the criminal justice and judicial process in Connecticut, we will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Get Help From Our Connecticut Indecent Exposure Lawyers Today
At Koffsky & Felsen, LLC, our Connecticut criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing indecent exposure charges. If you or your loved one was charged with indecent exposure or any related offense, we will zealously defend your rights and reputation. To set up a fully confidential initial criminal defense consultation, please contact us by calling (203) 327-1500 or reaching out to us directly through our website. With a law office in Connecticut, we serve communities throughout the state of Connecticut, including Fairfield County.
