In Weld County, a Lewd Conduct charge is one defined under Colorado’s two commonly charged indecency or obscene offenses: Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure. Each of these sex-based crimes involve exposure of one’s sexuality, but don’t include any physical contact with an unwilling innocent party. This leaves these “lewd” crimes under Colorado’s less serious misdemeanor category, although Colorado law is quick to rein in the behavior. If uninvited sexual contact with another is involved, it quickly rises to a felony with an extensive prison sentence.
Let’s take a look at Colorado’s two Lewd conduct charges and what differs between the two of them.
Definition of Public Indecency in Greeley, Colorado
The definition of Public Indecency in Greeley, is:
(a) An act of sexual intercourse; or
(b) Deleted.
(c) A lewd exposure of an intimate part as defined by section 18-3-401(2) of the body, not including the genitals, done with intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person; or
(d) A lewd fondling or caress of the body of another person; or
(e) A knowing exposure of the person’s genitals to the view of a person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.
Definition of Indecent Exposure, C.R.S. 18-7-302, in Greeley, Colorado
The Indecent Exposure law is defined at C.R.S. 18-7-302, and states the following:
(a) If he or she knowingly exposes his or her genitals to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person;
(b) If he or she knowingly performs an act of masturbation in a manner which exposes the act to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.
What are the Penalties for Lewd Conduct by Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure in Weld County?
In Weld County if you are convicted of a Public Indecency charge, the sentence is a class 1 petty offense and the penalties could be could result in up to 6 months in Weld County Jail and a fine of up to $500. If this is not the first conviction for this charge or one similar, the sentence could be a class 1 misdemeanor and have harsher penalties of up to 18 months in jail.
The conviction of an Indecent Exposure charge sentence is a class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties up to 18 months in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000. If the defendant has two prior convictions for Indecent Exposure or comparable offenses, then it can be charged as a class 6 felony with harsher penalties including time in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison system.
If Convicted of These Lewd Conduct Charges in Greeley, Colorado, Do You Have to Register as a Sex Offender?
Registering as a Sex Offender in Greeley can have a large impact on your life, job, career, and even where you live. The main difference between the Lewd Conduct charges of Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure is that if convicted of Indecent Exposure, you will need to Register as a Sex Offender. To learn more about Colorado’s Sex Offender Registry, go here. If you need to learn about the Sex Offender Registry in Fort Collins, go here.
Why Do You Need Weld County’s Top Attorneys for Public Indecency and Indecent Exposure Charges?
Weld County’s top attorneys are equipped to understand and challenge your criminal case at trial. A Public Indecency or Indecent Exposure conviction can affect your life and your future. Although a petty or misdemeanor offense may not seem like a big deal, they can create issues when it comes employers or landlords. Having a knowledgeable attorney to fight for your future is important.
Facing a Lewd Conduct charge of Public Indecency or Indecent Exposure in Greeley or Weld County? Exercise your right to remain silent, since it is in your best interest with any criminal case. Then, immediately call Weld County’s top defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office to get you the best results. Call 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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