Public Idecency Defense Attorney

Legal Help for Misdemeanor Charges Under C.R.S. 18-7-301

Charged with Public Indecency in Colorado? Protect Your Record and Reputation

Public indecency is often treated as a low-level offense, but under Colorado law it is classified as a sexual offense—and that distinction matters. Even a misdemeanor conviction can carry serious consequences, including potential jail time, fines, and in some cases, sex offender registration depending on the allegations and prior history.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we represent clients facing public indecency charges throughout Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, and across the Front Range. These cases often fall within the broader category of sex crimes defense, and how they are charged and resolved can have lasting effects on your record, employment, and reputation.

Our focus is on protecting your rights, challenging the allegations, and working toward the best possible outcome—whether that means dismissal, reduction, or avoiding long-term consequences. If you are facing a public indecency charge, having a defense attorney who understands both the legal and practical impact of these cases can make a difference.

Understanding Public Indecency Charges in Colorado

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-301, public indecency is defined as knowingly performing certain sexual acts in a public place or in view of the public. The statute is designed to prevent offensive or lewd behavior that is visible to others in public spaces.

The law prohibits the following conduct when done knowingly in a public place or where it can reasonably be expected to be seen by others:

Sexual intercourse
Lewd exposure of the body (typically the genitals)
Lewd fondling or caressing of oneself or another person
Knowing exposure of intimate parts with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire

If you have questions about the statute, contact our public indecency attorney today.

What is a "Public Place" Under the Law?

The law applies not only to parks and streets but also to semi-private areas where others could reasonably be expected to observe the conduct. This includes:

Vehicles parked in public
Hotel balconies or windows
Parking garages
Office buildings
Backyards visible from the street

The key question is whether the exposure or conduct could have been observed by someone else—not necessarily whether it was.

Examples of Public Indecency in Colorado

Common scenarios that can lead to public indecency charges include:

Engaging in sexual activity in a car parked in a public area
Public urination where genitals are exposed and visible to others
Intoxicated behavior resulting in accidental exposure
Streaking or mooning in public
Intimate touching of a partner in a park or alleyway

In many cases, these situations stem from poor judgment, alcohol use, or misunderstandings—not criminal intent. Nonetheless, they are still prosecuted under Colorado’s criminal code.

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Being charged with public indecency can put your freedom, reputation, and future at risk. Speak with an experienced public indecency defense attorney today to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

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Penalties for Public Indecency in Colorado

Public indecency is typically charged as a misdemeanor or petty offense can become more serious based on the conduct or past criminal history.

Class 1 Petty Offense (Most first-time charges)

Up to 6 months in jail
Fines up to $500
Possible probation or community service
No mandatory sex offender registration (in most cases)

Class 1 Misdemeanor (For repeat or more serious conduct)

If the act involved genital exposure with sexual intent and the defendant has a prior conviction, the charge may be escalated to a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by:

Up to 364 days in jail
Fines up to $1,000
Probation with conditions
Possible mandatory sex offender registration

Public Indecency vs. Indecent Exposure

Although they sound similar, public indecency and indecent exposure are distinct offenses, with indecent exposure being the more serious charge.

Public Indecency (C.R.S. 18-7-301)	Indecent Exposure (C.R.S. 18-7-302)
Misdemeanor or petty offense	Misdemeanor or felony
No sexual arousal intent required (in some cases)	Requires intent for sexual gratification
May not require registration	Often requires sex offender registration
Often resolved with deferred sentence	May carry indeterminate sentencing risks

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender for Public Indecency?

In most first-time public indecency cases, sex offender registration is not required.

However, under C.R.S. 16-22-102(9), certain repeat offenses—especially those involving genital exposure with sexual intent—can result in registration requirements. This typically applies to:

Multiple convictions for public indecency involving exposure
Public indecency reclassified as indecent exposure
Conduct committed in front of minors or vulnerable individuals

If registration is required, the consequences are severe and long-lasting. That’s why it’s critical to fight the charge early and pursue dismissal or reduction.

What Happens After a Public Indecency Arrest in Colorado?

Citation or Arrest
You may be issued a summons or arrested and booked depending on the situation.
First Court Appearance / Arraignment
You’ll be informed of the charges and possible penalties.
Pretrial Conferences
Your attorney may begin negotiating for dismissal, diversion, or charge reduction.
Motions and Hearings
If evidence was obtained unlawfully, it may be suppressed through pretrial motions.
Resolution by Plea or Trial
Many cases resolve through negotiated plea deals or deferred judgments that avoid conviction. Others go to trial.

Common Defenses to Public Indecency Charges

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we evaluate every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop the best possible defense. Common defenses include:

No Intent to Commit a Criminal Act

Public indecency often occurs in situations where the defendant did not intend to act lewdly or sexually. Examples include:

Urinating due to medical necessity
Accidental exposure while changing clothing
Acts committed in private but visible by accident

No Public Viewing or Awareness

If no one actually saw the act and it occurred in a space not reasonably accessible to the public, the charge may not stand.

False Allegations or Mistaken Identity

In some cases, someone may falsely report lewd conduct—or mistake someone else for the alleged actor. Surveillance footage, GPS data, and witness testimony can help uncover the truth.

First Amendment or Expression Defenses

In very limited cases, nudity or expressive conduct may fall under protected free speech. These defenses are rare but may be raised in the right context.

Can I Avoid a Criminal Record?

Yes—in many cases, public indecency charges can be dismissed, reduced, or deferred.

Options may include:

Deferred judgment: Case is dismissed after completing probation terms.
Diversion program: No plea entered; charges dismissed upon compliance.
Charge reduction: Refile as a municipal code violation or petty offense.
Straight dismissal: If evidence is weak or rights were violated.

Our public indecency defense attorney explores every avenue to avoid a conviction and protect your future.

Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?

We understand that a public indecency charge can be embarrassing, stressful, and damaging—even if the facts are misunderstood or exaggerated. Our approach is:

Confidential and Nonjudgmental: We treat every client with respect.
Results-Oriented: Our goal is dismissal or resolution without a conviction.
Experienced in Sex-Related Offenses: We know how these cases are prosecuted.
Available and Responsive: We offer evening and weekend consultations.

Counties We Serve

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide dedicated defense for individuals accused of public indecency across Colorado. Every county court has its own prosecutors, judges, and procedures, making local knowledge critical to protecting your rights. Our experienced public indecency defense attorney represents clients in:

Arapahoe County – Cases handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial.
Adams County – Defense for charges filed in the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton.
Denver County – Representation at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse in downtown Denver.
Douglas County – Cases heard at the Douglas County Justice Center in Castle Rock.
Jefferson County – Defense provided at the Jefferson County Courts in Golden.

No matter where your case is filed, our public indecency defense attorney has the experience to navigate the local system and fight for your future.

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Arapahoe County – Cases handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial.
Adams County – Defense for charges filed in the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton.
Denver County – Representation at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse in downtown Denver.
Douglas County – Cases heard at the Douglas County Justice Center in Castle Rock.
Jefferson County – Defense provided at the Jefferson County Courts in Golden.

No matter where your case is filed, our public indecency defense attorney has the experience to navigate the local system and fight for your future.

Speak With a Public Indecency Attorney Today

If you’ve been accused of public indecency in Aurora, Denver, or anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, don’t face the system alone. Even a charge that may seem minor can carry consequences that follow you long after the case is resolved—especially when it falls under the umbrella of sex crimes defense.

Call The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation.

We will walk you through your options, protect your rights, and fight to keep your record—and your future—intact.

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Contact Information

Address

2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865
Aurora, CO 80014

Contact

lain@coloradodefenders.com
Ph: 720-369-4929

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment

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