El Dorado Hills Indecent Exposure Lawyer

Defending Your Rights with Discretion and Experience

If you've been accused of indecent exposure in El Dorado Hills, you may be feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or unsure of what steps to take next. At Walsh Law, we understand the sensitivity and seriousness of these charges. Our experienced El Dorado Hills indecent exposure attorney provides discreet, knowledgeable defense to help you navigate the legal system and protect your future.

Whether the incident was a misunderstanding, involved mistaken identity, or occurred under unusual circumstances, our legal team is ready to investigate, advocate, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our El Dorado Hills indecent exposure attorneys.

What is Indecent Exposure?

Under California Penal Code § 314, indecent exposure is defined as:

Willfully exposing your genitals in a public place, or in a location where others are present and likely to be offended or annoyed.

To be convicted of indecent exposure, the prosecution must prove:

• You willfully exposed your genitals in the presence of another person;
• You did so with the intent to sexually gratify yourself or offend another person;
• The exposure occurred in a public place or a place where others were present and likely to be offended.

It’s important to understand that indecent exposure is not merely public nudity. For example, breast exposure or being shirtless generally does not meet the threshold unless it’s clearly sexual in nature and involves genital exposure with intent to offend.

Common Examples of Indecent Exposure

While some cases involve blatant public acts, many indecent exposure charges stem from more ambiguous situations. Some common examples include:

• Urinating in public in a way that exposes your genitals;
• Flashing someone in a park, street, or parking lot;
• Masturbating in public or within view of others;
• Engaging in sexual acts in a car or public space visible to passersby;
• Changing clothes in a vehicle or beach parking lot without adequately covering up;
• Exposing oneself during an argument or prank, even if no sexual intent was present.

It’s not uncommon for someone to be accused of indecent exposure due to misunderstandings, mental health struggles, or alcohol-related incidents. In such cases, a strong legal defense is essential.

Criminal Penalties for Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure in California can carry serious penalties, especially if it's not your first offense. The consequences depend on whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge:

Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure

• Up to 6 months in county jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Mandatory sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290
• Probation, community service, or counseling

Felony Indecent Exposure

If you have a prior conviction under PC § 314 or commit the act after entering someone’s inhabited dwelling, you may face:

• 16 months to 3 years in state prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Lifetime registration as a sex offender

Sex offender registration is often the most devastating aspect. It can severely limit employment, housing, and social opportunities.

Legal Defenses to Indecent Exposure

At Walsh Law, we tailor your defense strategy to the facts of your case. Common legal defenses to indecent exposure include:

• Lack of Intent – You had no intention to offend or sexually gratify; for example, urinating or changing clothes without realizing others were nearby.
• Mistaken Identity – You were misidentified by a witness or surveillance footage.
• Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution cannot prove your actions met the legal standard for indecent exposure.
• False Accusations – Someone falsely accused you out of anger, revenge, or misperception.
• Mental Health Factors – Conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may lead to behavior that can be defended with the help of expert testimony.

We will examine all available evidence, including witness statements, video footage, and police conduct, to ensure your rights were not violated and that you receive a fair trial.

Indecent Exposure FAQs

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

Possibly. Even a first-time indecent exposure conviction can require sex offender registration. Our goal is to fight for dismissal or reduced charges that do not carry registration requirements.

Is indecent exposure a felony or a misdemeanor?

It can be either. First offenses are usually charged as misdemeanors, but prior convictions or certain aggravating factors can lead to felony charges.

What if I was drunk at the time?

Intoxication does not automatically excuse the conduct, but it may affect your ability to form criminal intent—a key element in indecent exposure cases.

Can I clear this from my record?

If you're convicted, you may be eligible for expungement after completing your sentence. However, sex offender registration cannot be expunged in most cases.

What if I was falsely accused?

False accusations do occur. We’ll work to uncover inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, gather alibi evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Contact an El Dorado Hills Indecent Exposure Attorney Today

Don’t let a misunderstanding or lapse in judgment ruin your life. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Walsh Law is here to provide the skilled legal representation you need. An accusation does not equal a conviction—and you have the right to defend yourself.

We invite you to schedule a free consultation by calling (916) 610-3558.