As sex crimes go, public indecency is a relatively minor one. It is generally a misdemeanor. When facing a public indecency charge in Georgia, we understand that discretion is important to minimize any further embarassment. We will work to get the charges dropped and avoid conviction.
Public indecency becomes a serious crime when the perpetrator has previous convictions. Also even a misdemeanor creates a criminal record which may have consequences in your future. Regardless of the crime, we can all agree having experienced representation can be vital to achieving the best possible outcome for your case and we at Phillips Carson Phillips can provide that experience and legal skill.
What is Public Indecency?
Public indecency is defined by the Georgia Code § 16-6-8 as any lewd activities or conduct that expose sexual acts or sexual organs, including acts like public nudity or sexual acts in public. It states: a person commits the offense of public indecency when he or she performs any of the following acts in a public place:
- An act of sexual intercourse;
- A lewd exposure of the sexual organs;
- A lewd appearance in a state of partial or complete nudity; or
- A lewd caress or indecent fondling of the body of another person.
For example, if you get caught having sex in a park with your spouse, that’s public indecency. Nudity or exposure, even in jest or fun, can open you up to charges of indecent exposure.
Depending on the circumstances, such actions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The consequences of a conviction vary depending on the severity of the offense but can include jail time, probation, community service, fines, and sex offender registration.
Penalties for Conviction of Public Indency
Sometimes an error in judgement mixed in with a bit of alcohol bravado might result in doing something stupid. On the good side, a charge of public indeceny is usually a misdemeanor, so punishment is relatively light (short jail time and low fines). But there is still the embarassment, costs, and inconvenience, so we at Phillips Carson Phillips will work to minimize all of that, as well as avoid a conviction and a criminal record.
A charge of public indecency can become a felony when this is a third or subsequent conviction for public indecency of any these three:
- lewd exposure of the sexual organs;
- lewd appearance in a state of partial or complete nudity; or
- lewd caress or indecent fondling of the body of another person.
A felony is punishable up to 1-5 years in prison. If charged with a felony level offense, then having a criminal defense lawyer from Phillips Carson Phillips is now very important.
Why Choose Us
Phillips Carson Phillips was founded with the mission to help the residents of Savannah and the surrounding region with their legal needs. Over a career spanning more than four decades, attorney Bobby Phillips has earned a reputation as an aggressive courtroom lawyer. He has earned full acquittal for clients facing all types of criminal charges in both state and federal jurisdictions.
When faced with a public indecency charge in Georgia, we understand that discretion is important and we are considerate of concerns in that area. We also want you to understand your rights, the criminal justice process, and your options under the law. We will provide valuable guidance throughout every step of your legal proceedings and build an effective defense strategy. Ideally we can resolve your cases quickly and discreetly.
As your Savannah criminal defense lawyer, we know how to work with prosecutors to negotiate to get charges dropped or a plea bargain agreement so there is no trial. A plea bargain can help you avoid more severe punishments which would otherwise be sought by prosecutors during trial proceedings if convicted.
When it comes down to it, having experienced legal counsel by your side during a criminal case can make all the difference in beating criminal charges including public indecency charges.
Contact Phillips Carson Phillips by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you during this time.