Cleveland Public Indecency Lawyer

Cleveland Public Indecency Attorney

Ohio courts take public indecency charges very seriously, especially when alleged offenders have prior public indecency convictions. Charges and penalties are classified as various degrees of a misdemeanor but can warrant a tier 1 sex offender charge and possible conviction in some cases. It is imperative that anyone facing these charges speak with an experienced Cleveland public indecency lawyer to discuss a legal strategy and potential defense for their case.

Fortress Law Group, LLC has represented numerous clients in their Cleveland public indecency case, seeing them through every phase of the legal proceedings that follow charges like these. Whether you need a strong defense to alleviate charges or were wrongfully accused and would like to prove your innocence, our legal team is equipped to take on the judicial actions against you. We know the law and understand how to apply it to our clients’ cases most effectively.

How Serious Is Public Indecency in Ohio?

While there aren’t many arrests in Ohio for public indecency, it happens more often than many people realize. When it does happen, it may often be a case of mistaken identity, accidental exposure, or several other causes that result in public indecency. In many cases, the defendant was intoxicated or acting in a moment of passion. The defendant is usually left feeling embarrassed and apologetic. However, when charges are filed, it can be serious.

Ohio defines public indecency as a reckless offense, which is a degree of culpability that helps determine the mental state someone was in when they committed a crime. When someone commits public indecency, according to Ohio state law, they are acting in a heedless manner and are indifferent to the consequences of their behavior. They disregard the substantial and unjustifiable risk that their conduct could result in unfavorable repercussions.

The most serious thing about this charge is that it is considered a sex crime, and a conviction of a sex crime can affect an individual for quite some time. Exposing oneself in public, participating in sexual acts in public, either alone or with another person, or even acting in a way that looks like sexual acts are occurring, or exposing oneself to a minor to arouse or lure a minor, are all grounds for legitimate charges to be brought against an individual.

Examples of Public Indecency

There are many ways in which someone can get into trouble for public indecency. Some examples can include having sex in public, such as in a car, a parking lot, or another public place, and urinating in public. Many people don’t realize that even skinny-dipping is considered public indecency.

Individuals who participate in these activities at any of the popular skinny-dipping holes frequented by locals, such as Kelleys Island State Park or Pymatuning State Park, run the risk of getting arrested and facing public indecency charges.

Potential Consequences of Public Indecency Charges

The penalties for public indecency vary according to the number of prior public indecency convictions a defendant has. A first-time charge for public indecency is a fifth-degree misdemeanor, and the penalties are minimal and do not include jail time, but will result in fines of up to $150. A second offense and any additional offenses are not as lenient. A fourth-degree misdemeanor will require a defendant to pay up to $250 in fines and serve up to 30 days in jail.

A third charge for public indecency will result in a third-degree misdemeanor and fines of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. With each following offense, the degree of severity increases, as do the maximum fines and the number of days in jail. A fourth offense carries up to $750 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. A fifth offense is a fifth-degree felony with up to $2,500 in fines and from 6 to 12 months in jail.

If this is a repeat offense for you, a Cleveland public indecency lawyer at Fortress Law Group, LLC can provide the legal advice and counsel that can potentially contribute to a lowered sentence and/or fines. Don’t wait to call because every second counts in cases like these. The same is true with first-time offenses as well, and for those who believe they were wrongly accused and charged with public indecency. It can take every second to obtain the evidence necessary to prove your innocence.

FAQs

Q: What Counts as Public Indecency in Ohio?

A: In Ohio, public indecency is considered engaging in the behaviors of exposing one’s private parts, being nude, exhibiting sexual activities with yourself or someone else in front of others knowingly, or even just appearing to engage in sexual acts with yourself or someone else in front of others in public.

Q: Can Someone Report You for Public Indecency?

A: Yes, if you are exposing private parts, appearing nude, engaging in sexual acts, or appearing to be engaging in sexual acts, anyone who sees you can report you for public indecency, and law enforcement can arrest you and file charges against you. If you are arrested, you should avoid speaking about your innocence until you are represented by an attorney.

Q: Is Skinny Dipping Illegal in Ohio?

A: Yes, skinny-dipping is illegal in Cleveland, Ohio. If you are nude at a public lake, pool, beach, or any other body of water, you can be charged with public indecency. Even if you are in your own backyard, if someone can see into your yard and see that you are behaving indecently, you can be charged with public indecency.

Q: Can You Be Charged With Indecent Exposure in Your Own Home in Ohio?

A: Yes, an individual can be charged with indecent exposure in their own home. This most commonly occurs when an individual exposes themselves or engages in sexual acts with themselves or another person in view of observers who are outside their home. If an open window or door allows outsiders to see nudity or sexual behavior inside a home, it can be considered public indecency.

A Cleveland Public Indecency Lawyer Can Explain the Legal Implications of Your Charges

To understand exactly what public indecency charges mean in Cleveland, speak to a Cleveland public indecency lawyer as soon as possible. Fortress Law Group, LLC can help you understand and protect your rights. Contact a member of our qualified legal team today.

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