Expert Legal Defense for Indecent Exposure Charges
Accusations or charges of indecent exposure are an extremely serious matter, and if you’re facing allegations of this kind, our team at Draycott Browne are here to provide the legal expertise you need.
Indecent exposure is a serious crime, and the potential consequences reflect the gravity of the charges. It's crucial to understand what constitutes indecent exposure, the legal procedures involved in prosecution, and the penalties that you may be facing. At Draycott Browne, we strongly recommend seeking immediate legal representation, whether it's upon the initial accusation, following arrest or during questioning; the serious nature of indecent exposure charges means that you need expert advice straight away to safeguard your legal rights. Our Indecent Exposure Solicitors specialise in sexual offence cases, offering expert advice and guidance the moment you're accused. Prompt legal advice, preferably before making any statements to the police, can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
How we can help You
Since 1998, our Indecent Exposure Solicitors have been assisting people accused of indecent exposure and flashing. We use our extensive experience to provide the best possible defense for all our clients.
Our comprehensive approach involves a thorough examination of all evidence to build a complete picture of your case and compile a solid defense. Our primary goal is to protect you from a custodial sentence and ensure a fair and just outcome.
We prioritise clear and effective communication throughout the entire process. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 and maintains regular contact with you, keeping you fully informed about the status of your case at all times.
From your initial police interview to the conclusion of the process, we provide comprehensive legal support. We are here to help you, regardless of your situation. Please don't hesitate to contact us.
Dedicated expertise for defending all allegations of sexual offences.
Our Indecent Exposure OFFENCES Team
What is indecent exposure?
Indecent exposure, sometimes referred to as "flashing,", but legally also termed as 'exposure,' occurs when a person intentionally exposes their genitals with the explicit intent of frightening or causing distress to another person. The Sexual Offences Act of 2003 outlines the specific criteria for this offence, which emphasise the need for 'specific intent.' This means that it must be proved that the exposure was both intentional and done specifically to cause alarm or distress.
Indecent exposure encompasses a range of behaviours, from 'flashing' to more prolonged instances involving a sexual element. Regardless of the duration, exposure is always considered a crime under the Sexual Offences Act of 2003. It is important to understand that both men and women can be perpetrators, and the act can occur in public or private settings, and recent legislation now also makes “cyberflashing”, or sending unsolicited images of an intimate nature a punishable offence.
The legislation makes a clear distinction between naturism, nudity, and indecent exposure, and importantly, it is essential to note that certain scenarios do not qualify as indecent exposure. For instance, someone urinating in public who believes that they are out of sight, but who is seen by another person may not be charged with indecent exposure, as the deliberate intent to expose themselves was not present. Similarly, accidental exposure of genitals is not categorised as indecent exposure. It’s key that you take legal advice from a solicitor who has a comprehensive understanding of the law, and who takes the time to understand and evaluate the specific circumstances relating to your case, in order to give you the best chance of building a robust defence case.
In cases where the Sexual Offences Act does not apply, alternative offences may be considered, such as public disorder and public indecency. It is crucial to differentiate indecent exposure from more serious crimes such as outraging public decency, which involves disgusting, obscene or lewd actions committed in public and would be considered "shocking to reasonable people”. It is a more serious offence than indecent exposure and as such carries stricter penalties.
At Draycott Browne, our sexual offences team play a crucial role in ensuring that defendants are not unfairly charged with more severe crimes - we are dedicated to providing unwavering guidance and expert representation, ensuring a fair and robust defence tailored to the specific circumstances of each case.
Naturism guidleines
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has recently issued guidelines regarding the handling of cases involving naturism and public nudity. Naturism, which is a philosophical belief in the practice of integrating nudity into daily life, can often run up against the laws of indecent exposure, although the intent of naturists is not typically to cause alarm or distress to others. Prosecutors aim to strike a delicate balance between the individual's right to express themselves freely, and the wider public's entitlement to protection from harassment, alarm, and distress. Where charges are brought, prosecutors will seek to assess whether there were any sexual undertones associated with the nudity, or whether there was any deliberate intent to cause alarm or distress. In the absence of such indications, legal action is unlikely to be pursued against a naturist, unless there is proof that the event caused actual alarm or distress to another person.
What are the penalties for indecent exposure?
The consequences for being convicted of indecent exposure can vary significantly, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the seriousness of the offence and other relevant factors, but in the most serious instances, the maximum penalty is two years in prison. Cyberflashing, or the act of sending an unwanted sexual image to another person via digital means now carries a sentence of up to six months in prison, or two years where it can be proven that the perpetrator also intended to cause humiliation, alarm or distress.
A summary offence, (minor offences that can be tried by magistrates) can see the maximum penalty reduced to a six-month prison term, a fine, or both, but in some cases, it may be possible to avoid court proceedings entirely. Community service might be imposed by the court as an alternative to imprisonment, ranging from 40 to 300 hours of unpaid work, alongside rehabilitation measures. These sentences are considered appropriate if the court feels that a custodial sentence is excessively harsh and that community service might be a sufficient deterrent. Depending on the circumstances, in less serious cases, the police may opt only to caution someone for indecent exposure instead of pursuing formal charges, depending on the impact of the crime and the individual's prior criminal history.
When determining an appropriate punishment, the seriousness of the offence committed is always considered, along with any aggravating factors outlined in the sentencing guidelines. These may include whether the victim was a minor, whether acts of masturbation were involved, or whether the accused had any previous convictions. They will also consider any mitigating factors such as expressions of remorse, the offender's age, or any mental or learning disabilities.
In addition to these potential penalties, due to the serious nature of the crime of indecent exposure, which can often be a gateway to further, more serious offending, if found guilty the offender may be placed on the sex offenders register. This can have a significant impact on employment prospects and residency options, and registered sex offenders are subject to police monitoring and annual re-registration requirements.
24 hour availability
Arrests are rarely anticipated, which is why we are available around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, to assist you at the police station and provide you with immediate legal advice, whenever you need us.
Legal aid
Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you may struggle to afford. By applying for legal aid, you can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our Indecent Exposure Solicitors can advise you on your eligibility and will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, giving you the best chance of a successful application.
Specialist Indecent Exposure Offence Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Indecent Exposure Solicitors today.
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Contact our Indecent Exposure Solicitors
It’s extremely important to seek legal advice and representation if you are facing a sexual offence allegation – we strongly advise against attempting to face the criminal justice system without the right representation.
Contact our expert criminal defence solicitors in Manchester today for expert defence against indecent exposure charges; we have a team of highly experienced Indecent Exposure Solicitors who will work tirelessly on your defence. With years of experience and a track record of success, our dedicated team understand the complexities of indecent exposure cases.
The Sexual Offence Lawyers at Draycott Browne is highly regarded, nationally across the legal spectrum and is noted for consistently delivering positive results. Our solicitors possess a breadth of technical knowledge across the range of Sexual Offences that will provide you with the expertise required when facing such sensitive allegations and investigation by the police.
As one of the UK's leading Criminal Law Firms, we regularly act for clients in London and throughout the North West including Manchester and Liverpool regarding Sexual Offences and indecent exposure law accusations, when expert legal representation and advocacy is needed. We excel in negotiating alternative resolutions wherever possible, striving to mitigate consequences and protect your rights. In the event that we feel you have appropriate evidence, we may be able to argue that a mistake was made, or that an incident of self-exposure occurred by accident. Whatever the circumstances, you can trust us to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and a determination to achieve the fairest possible outcome available to you.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, With your freedom at stake, If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, call Draycott Browne today or complete our contact form, for the very best criminal defence for allegations of sexual offence.