Indecent Exposure in Wilmington, NC
Indecent exposure, as in the name in itself, is rather indecent and can be an inconvenience when you are accused of the crime. This is much trickier to resolve as these crimes can be different in different states. In North Carolina, indecent exposure is also an entirely different thing than in other states. A Wilmington criminal defense attorney can help you with your case.
Indecent Exposure Charges
For North Carolina law, indecent exposure happens when a person purposefully shows his or her private parts in public in front of one or more people. Anyone who is caught showing their genitals to a minor for sexual gratification normally suffers harsher penalties.
The trickier part comes with the semantics. A lot of cases are fact sensitive and depends on your situation. For instance, North Carolina courts consider a car in public parking lots can be a “public place” and a creek embarkment adjacent to the backyard can also be considered as such.
Given that indecent exposure is very similar to sexual assault and other sex crimes, this can have a very serious repercussion.
Indecent exposure in North Carolina counts as a Class 2 misdemeanor. This can send you to prison for up to 30 days, with a fine that can reach as high as $1,000. Other punishments include probation and community service.
Aggravated indecent exposure, on the other hand, is a Class H felony. The sentence can range for 4 to 8 months in prison as well as fines, community service, and even registration as a sexual offender for a lifetime.
Exceptions to the law of course exist, such as breastfeeding, or sexually-oriented businesses such as strip clubs and topless bars. It is important to be aware of these laws to make sure you, your family and friends are aware what to do not just if you are accused of such an act, but if you are exposed to someone doing this to you or others.
Hire a Wilmington Defense Lawyer
If you find yourself in any of these situations, or if you are curious just in case, it is always best to find sources about these regulations and study them carefully. It is also helpful to remember that North Carolina may have laws different from other states. Your knowledge on these differences may come in handy and be able to help you, your family, and even your friends.
If you ever find yourself in need of legal advice, feel free to contact a Wilmington criminal defense attorney today for a consultation. Remember, it is best to be at least aware of the law or be aware that there is always a legal expert nearby willing to help you.