Public Indecency might seem like a minor offense, but in Greeley, Colorado, a conviction can carry serious legal and social consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with Public Indecency, it’s essential to understand what the law says, what penalties you may face, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.
What Is Public Indecency Under Weld County, Colorado Law?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-301, Public Indecency is defined as a knowing performance of certain sexual or lewd acts in a public place, or where the conduct is likely to be observed by others who would be offended or alarmed.
The law specifically lists the following actions as Public Indecency when done knowingly in public:
- Sexual intercourse
- Lewd exposure of an intimate part, not including the genitals, done with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire
- Lewd fondling or caressing of another person
- Knowingly exposing one’s genitals in a manner likely to cause affront or alarm
The key elements are:
- The act must be done knowingly
- It must take place in a public setting, or where it can be reasonably expected to be seen by others
Weld County Public Indecency Lawyer: What Are the Penalties for Public Indecency in Colorado?
Public Indecency is charged as a class 1 petty offense for a first-time violation, which is the lowest level of criminal offense in Weld County, Colorado. It is punishable by up to 10 days in the Weld County Jail and/or a fine of up to $300
Important: While public indecency is typically not a sex offense that requires registration, repeated offenses can lead to additional scrutiny and potentially more severe legal outcomes. In some cases, prosecutors may attempt to bring additional charges under more serious statutes, such as Indecent Exposure.
What is a Public vs. Private Place in Firestone and Windsor?
One of the most common areas of confusion in Public Indecency cases is whether the location qualifies as “public.” The law defines a public place as any location open to the view of others, not just parks or streets. This can include:
- Parking lots
- Apartment balconies
- Hotel rooms with open curtains
- Vehicles parked in public areas
Even if you’re on private property, if your actions can be seen from a public area, you could still be charged under this statute.
Why You Should Take Greeley Public Indecency Charges Seriously
Even though a petty offense may not seem like a big deal, a conviction can still:
- Appear on your criminal record
- Affect your employment or housing opportunities
- Lead to embarrassment and reputational harm
- Result in harsher penalties for any future offenses
For students, professionals, or anyone with a security clearance, a Public Indecency charge can have far-reaching consequences. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Public Indecency, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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