
When someone commits sexual acts in public, they may be charged with public sexual indecency. When those acts occur in view of someone under the age of 15, that offense becomes a felony. Anyone facing this serious sex crime charge can rely on a Mesa public sexual indecency lawyer to contest the accusations. The right defense strategy can shield someone from the consequences of a serious sex crime conviction.
The outcome of any criminal case can be greatly influenced by the steps taken by a Mesa sex crime lawyer. When you work with Grand Canyon Law Group, you gain the support of a legal team that goes to great lengths to see that you stand a strong chance of avoiding serious penalties. We have former prosecutors on our team who understand how the state builds and handles sex crime cases, including those involving allegations of public sexual indecency.
We are proud to have earned a 10.0 Superb AVVO Rating as well as numerous recognitions and awards by prominent legal groups like the American Academy of Trial Attorneys. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results, and selection criteria vary by organization. However, our AVVO rating is a representation of the work we put into every case we take on.
Since our firm focuses exclusively on criminal law, we understand how the local courts operate and which strategies can yield positive outcomes in court. Our ultimate goal is to shield the people we represent from serious penalties by tailoring our approach to the facts of the case in Mesa.
Arizona’s public sexual indecency law prohibits sexual acts in spaces that would alarm or offend another person. When a child under 15 is present, the offense can become a felony. Public sexual indecency is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, while public sexual indecency involving a minor is classified as a Class 5 felony that carries the potential for confinement in prison.
Phoenix’s annual crime rate of 27.69 per 1,000 residents means that a steady flow of suspects, including those facing sex crime accusations, are processed and booked at Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail or Lower Buckeye Jail. Law enforcement may respond to a call from someone reporting unlawful activity, or an arrest may follow an investigation after the fact.
Whether you were arrested in Arcadia, Roosevelt Row, or elsewhere in Phoenix, you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Contesting your charges in court can lead to favorable outcomes that shield you from serious penalties like confinement in jail or prison. Given that there are roughly 52,000 people behind bars in Arizona, finding the right strategy for pushing back on the accusations you are facing should be a top priority.
One approach could focus on whether prosecutors can even prove their case. If the allegations are based on someone’s testimony alone, that may not provide sufficient proof that a crime was committed. Mistaken identity or arguing that the witness misinterpreted what happened are both viable strategies for defending against sexual indecency accusations.
There are more than 12,000 registered sex offenders in the state of Arizona, and any steps you take to avoid becoming part of those statistics could benefit your case. When you hire a public sexual indecency lawyer, you gain the steady support of an attorney who understands public sexual indecency laws and how to protect you from potentially serious public sexual indecency penalties.
A Mesa public sexual indecency attorney can independently investigate the incident in question. By examining the evidence, they can find areas where prosecutors may have a weak case. Legal support can play an important role in shaping the outcome of a case. Attorneys are also skilled negotiators who can secure a favorable plea bargain agreement. When needed, they can take a case to trial for a judge or jury to decide the matter.
Arizona law generally defines public sexual indecency as knowingly engaging in certain sexual acts or exposing intimate body parts in the presence of another person under circumstances where the conduct is likely to offend or alarm others. Charges can vary depending on the alleged conduct, where the incident happened, and whether a minor was present at the time of the alleged offense.
A person can potentially be arrested and charged with public sexual indecency in Arizona if law enforcement believes they knowingly engaged in prohibited sexual conduct in the presence of another person. Witness statements, surveillance footage, police observations, and other available evidence may all affect whether a case moves forward through the criminal justice system.
Certain unlawful acts can potentially be misunderstood or taken out of context. For example, changing clothes inside a vehicle, public urination, skinny-dipping, consensual acts between adults, or accidental exposure while adjusting clothing may lead to allegations of sexual indecency depending on the circumstances and perception of witnesses. Misunderstandings or false accusations may need to be addressed through the criminal court process.
There are several common defenses for public indecency charges. However, the right approach should be tailored to the facts of the case. Defenses could focus on mistaken identity, lack of intent, false accusations, insufficient evidence, or arguments that the alleged conduct did not meet the legal definition required for conviction under state law.
Facing sex crime charges can leave you feeling like your back is against the wall. When you partner with Grand Canyon Law Group, you gain the support of top-rated attorneys who bring decades of combined legal experience.
When you work with our firm, you are connected directly to one of our lead attorneys. They personally manage cases from start to finish by taking a hands-on approach that does not compromise on your goals or interests. Don’t risk your future on unproven legal counsel. Contact our dedicated team of award-winning lawyers today to begin building your defense.