Indecent Exposure Attorney in Rochester

Comprehensive Legal Representation to Protect Your Future

When facing indecent exposure charges in Rochester, NY, you need a defense team that understands the complexities of criminal law and is dedicated to protecting your reputation and rights. At Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law, we offer personalized defense strategies informed by our extensive experience and unique perspective as a firm led by a former prosecutor.

Understanding the local legal landscape is crucial. In Rochester, NY, responding to indecent exposure charges requires familiarity with the specific interpretations of the law by local courts. This understanding allows our team to create strategies that are not just legally sound but also nuanced to meet the expectations and tendencies of local judges and juries. 

Our firm recognizes that this is more than just a legal case—it's your life, your privacy, and your peace of mind that are at stake. We offer a compassionate approach, taking the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you might have throughout the process. By combining legal understanding with comprehensive client support, we aim to alleviate your stress during this challenging time.

Contact an indecent exposure attorney in Rochester to protect your future. Call (585) 928-4193 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Indecent Exposure Laws in New York

In New York, the crime of indecent exposure is legally defined under the state's Public Lewdness statute, which is found in New York Penal Law § 245.00. The exposure must be intentional and done with the intent to draw attention to oneself for sexual gratification or to sexually offend another person. Simple nudity is not a crime unless it is accompanied by a sexual or lewd intent. 

To secure a conviction for indecent exposure, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Exposure of Private Parts: The state must prove that you exposed your genitals or anus.
• In a Public Place: The state must prove that the exposure occurred in a public place or in a place where it could be readily observed by the public. The law defines a "public place" as a place to which the public or a substantial group of people has access, such as a street, highway, school, or restaurant.
• Lewd or Intentional Act: This is the most crucial element. The state must prove that the exposure was done with the specific intent to "lewdly" expose your private parts, meaning you had the intent to sexually arouse or gratify yourself or another person, or to sexually offend another. This is a significant distinction from accidental exposure or mere nudity.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of the alleged victim and other witnesses. As a seasoned indecent exposure attorney in Rochester, I will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of the Offense

In New York, Public Lewdness is a Class B misdemeanor. However, the charge can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, which significantly increases the potential penalties.

• Class B Misdemeanor: A first-time conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to three months and/or a fine of up to $500.
• Felony: A second or subsequent conviction for certain sex offenses can be a felony. A conviction for a sex offense in New York can also lead to registration as a sex offender under certain circumstances.
• Other Related Offenses: Depending on the circumstances of the case, a person could also be charged with other, more serious offenses, such as forcible touching or sexual abuse. These are felonies with severe penalties and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The potential for sex offender registration is a severe and permanent consequence that a knowledgeable Rochester indecent exposure lawyer will take on with the utmost seriousness.