Chicago Public Indecency Lawyer

What Qualifies as Public Indecency?

There are a variety of criminal offenses that may be classified under the general category of sex crimes. Some of these offenses, such as criminal sexual assault, can be very serious, and since they can result in injuries or emotional trauma to others, they are often prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, even offenses that seem less serious, such as public indecency, can still result in penalties that can have a significant effect on a person's life, their relationships with friends or family, their employment opportunities, and their freedom. Those who have been arrested for public indecency or related offenses will need to determine how to defend against these types of charges.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide invaluable legal advice and effective representation in cases involving sex crimes. At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we can explain your options in these situations and advise you on how you can protect your rights. We will provide the legal help you need throughout every step of your case, ensuring that you understand how to proceed and how you can resolve matters successfully. We will work to help you avoid jail time or reduce the potential sentence that may apply if you are convicted. Our goal is to achieve an outcome to your case that will protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future prospects.

Understanding Public Indecency Charges in Illinois

Charges of public indecency may apply if someone is accused of committing sexual conduct in a public place or exposing themselves to others. Anyone over the age of 17 may face these types of charges if they act indecently in a location where they would reasonably expect that their conduct could be seen by other people. Some examples of actions that could lead to public indecency charges include:

• Exposing one's genitals or other private parts to other people for the purpose of sexual gratification.
• Having sexual intercourse in a public place within view of other people.
• Touching or fondling someone else in a location where others are present.
• Masturbating in a public location in a way that exposes one's genitals or private parts to others.

Notably, breast-feeding in public is not considered to be public indecency. Some other actions may blur the lines between indecent acts and those that are disruptive or offensive. For example, if a person simulates sex while remaining fully clothed or touches their private parts over their clothing, this may not fall under the definition of "sexual conduct" in Illinois law. Urinating or defecating in public generally will not be considered public indecency unless these acts are done for sexual gratification.

Public indecency is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction may result in a sentence of no more than one year in jail and fines up to $2,500. However, a third conviction of public indecency will result in Class 4 felony charges, and a conviction may lead to a sentence of one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000. A third conviction will also require a person to register as a sex offender for 10 years. Public indecency is also a Class 4 felony if it occurred within 500 feet of a school while children were present.

In situations where a person's actions may not be considered public indecency or where a person under the age of 17 is accused of committing indecent acts in public, they may instead face charges of disorderly conduct. This offense may apply if a person is accused of acting in an unreasonable manner that disturbs other people. This type of disorderly conduct may result in Class C misdemeanor charges, which carry a prison sentence of up to 30 days and a maximum fine of $1,500.

Contact Our Cook County Public Indecency Defense Attorney

At the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro, we can provide you with aggressive legal representation as you address charges of public indecency or related offenses. We understand how important it is to protect your rights and reputation when facing criminal charges of this nature, and we are prepared to do everything possible to help you avoid a conviction. Contact us today at 312-627-9482 to arrange your free consultation and get started on building a strong defense strategy.