Indecent Exposure Attorneys in Austin
Dedicated Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Travis County
In Texas, indecent exposure is a serious sex crime that carries harsh penalties. If convicted, you face jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, potential probation or community service, and significant damage to your reputation. A one-time mistake or false accusation could lead to you losing everything from your freedom to your job to your future prospects.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we understand the serious nature of your situation. If you have been accused of or charged with indecent exposure in Austin, we can help. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the law and know how to aggressively protect your rights.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your legal options during a free and completely confidential consultation. Call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online.
What Is Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is a criminal offense, outlined under Texas Penal Code Section 21.08, which states: “A person commits [the offense of indecent exposure] if he exposes his anus or any part of his genitals with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, and he is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by his act.”
There are several key elements to this law:
- Exposure: The law specifies that a person has committed the act of indecent exposure if he (or she) exposes himself (or herself) to another person
- Intent: The defendant must have intended to “arouse or gratify the sexual desire of another person” during the alleged act
- Recklessness: The accused must also have been reckless about causing offense to someone else who was present at the time
To convict someone of indecent exposure, the prosecution must prove each of these elements. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we can devise a defense strategy that pushes back on the prosecution's case, whether that involves disputing allegations of actual bodily exposure, disproving recklessness, or asserting that there was no intent to arouse or gratify someone else’s sexual desire.
How Does Texas Charge the Crime of Indecent Exposure?
In most cases, indecent exposure is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, though there are certain exceptions. These include:
- If the defendant has one prior conviction for indecent exposure, a subsequent offense will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
- If the defendant has two or more prior convictions for indecent exposure, the offense will be charged as a state jail felony.
- If the defendant is considered a “sexually violent predator” (under Chapter 841, Health and Safety Code), the offense will be charged as a third-degree felony.
Of these charges, a Class B misdemeanor carries the least harsh penalties, with penalties increasing in severity for a state jail felony and a third-degree penalty, respectively.
What Are the Penalties for Indecent Exposure in Texas?
In Texas, the penalties for indecent exposure vary depending on how the crime is charged:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days (six months) in county jail, fines up to $2,000, or both
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year (365 days) in county jail, fines up to $4,000, or both
- Third-Degree Felony: Between 2 and 10 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, or both
A conviction for any type of indecent exposure charge can also lead to possible probation and community service. While a first offense does not usually result in mandatory sex offender registration, a second or subsequent offense does, meaning you will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years from the time you are released. This can significantly impact your employment opportunities and dictate where you are allowed to live, what places you are allowed to visit or be near, and whether you qualify for certain professional licenses.
How Our Austin Indecent Exposure Lawyers Can Help
What began as a joke, an honest mistake, or a wrongful accusation can have a serious, long-lasting impact on your life. If you have been charged with indecent exposure, it is critical that you contact a defense attorney who can help protect your rights and safeguard your future.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we assist people who have been accused of indecent exposure work to preserve their freedom and their reputations. Our experienced attorneys have a long track record of success and know how to aggressively defend you against these charges. Whether seeking to have your charges dropped or reduced, your penalties lessened, or your name cleared at trial, our team is prepared to fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—contact us now at (512) 359-3743 to discuss your next steps with one of our indecent exposure lawyers in Austin, TX.
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Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Not Guilty Sexual Abuse
One Count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor; Three Counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor; Two Counts of Indecency of a Minor by Contact/Exposure
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Not Guilty Sexual Assault
NOT GUILTY of sexual assault and two lesser charges. Our client maintained his innocence from the start, and we believed him.
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No Charges Filed Sex Assault Investigation
Our client had an affair with a married woman. When her husband found out, she accused him of rape and called the police, prompting an investigation. Our client wisely contacted our office immediately.
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Two Counts of Sexual Assault of a Child
Our client was arrested after two girls he met online turned out to be underage. He was charged with four counts of sex assault of a child. The State interviewed the girls and obtained incriminating cell phone evidence, as well as evidence of drug use. The DA’s Office aggressively prosecuted this case and sought prison time.
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Case Dismissed Juvenile Sex Assault
Our client, a young girl, was accused of sexually assaulting her young female cousin. Our client was a good student and was involved in a number of youth and school activities. She had a bright future ahead of her and she and her parents were understandably terrified that an accusation like this could ruin her life forever.
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Five counts of Sex Assault of a Child & Eight Counts of Indecency w/ a Child
Our client was accused of being in a relationship with an underage teen. He was charged with six counts of sexual assault of a child and eight counts of indecency with a child. The evidence was overwhelming. He thought his life was over.
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Two Counts of Sexual Assault of a Child and Four Counts of Indecency w/ a Child
Our client was indicted on two counts of sex assault of a child and four counts of indecency with a child. Our client confessed to the offense and there was substantial physical evidence corroborating that confession. The State aggressively prosecuted this case and sought significant prison time.
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Case Dismissed; Charges Reduced Solicitation of a Minor
Our client was a legal permanent resident with no criminal history when he was picked up for solicitation of a minor after a sting operation. He faced serious immigration consequences if convicted of a crime of this nature. In addition, the evidence against him was substantial and he was looking at prison time.
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No Charges Filed Sexual Assault Investigation
Our client was a UT student who was accused of sexual assault. He came to our firm extremely scared about his future both with the university and within the criminal justice system. With our firm's help, he was able to show that his accuser was not credible. Smith and Vinson put together a defense that law enforcement recognized as credible evidence of his innocence and not to file charges which changed the course of our client's life.
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Charges Dismissed Sexual Assault Investigation
Our client, a promising Texas State student, was wrongfully accused of sexual assault by a classmate and hastily arrested. We demonstrated the consensual nature of their actions and exposed the accuser's ulterior motives. The District Attorney's Office dismissed the case.
