Indecent Exposure Attorney in Monmouth County

Your Defense for Indecent Exposure Charges in Monmouth County

Facing an indecent exposure charge can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo, we defend your rights and help you move forward with confidence. Our team brings decades of experience handling criminal cases throughout New Jersey courts, a deep respect for the presumption of innocence, and a commitment to every client’s right to a fair legal process.

People charged with indecent exposure often worry about the effect on their families, jobs, and future plans. We guide our clients through these challenges using proven knowledge of county courts, so you maintain control over your defense and understand every available option.

Call the Certified Criminal Law Specialist and experienced indecent exposure attorney in Monmouth County at (848) 207-2709 or reach out online now—Free consultations available 24/7.

Understanding New Jersey Indecent Exposure Law

In New Jersey, indecent exposure is prosecuted under the broader statute of "Lewdness" (§2C:14−4). The charge distinguishes between two primary levels of severity:

1. Disorderly Persons Offense (Misdemeanor Equivalent)

This lower-level charge applies when a person commits a "flagrantly lewd and offensive act" which the actor "knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other nonconsenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed."

• Penalty: Up to 6 months in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
• Key Element: The act must be flagrantly offensive and the actor must have expected to be observed by non-consenting, alarmed people.

2. Fourth Degree Crime (Felony Equivalent)

This is the most serious charge for simple exposure. It applies when a person exposes their genitals "for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor" and they know or reasonably expect they are likely to be observed by:

• A child less than 13 years of age, where the actor is at least four years older than the child, OR
• A person who, due to mental disease or defect, is unable to understand the sexual nature of the conduct.
• Penalty: Up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Key Element: Requires sexual intent (arousal/gratification) and the presence of a vulnerable victim (minor or mentally incapacitated person).

A Monmouth County indecent exposure lawyer must meticulously analyze the specific details to challenge the grading of the charge, especially fighting to prevent the Fourth Degree Felony classification.

Defense Strategies Employed by Our Certified Criminal Law Specialist

As Certified Criminal Law Specialists, we utilize our deep trial experience defending clients facing sex crime accusations to attack the subjective elements of the State's case and explore crucial diversionary options.

Challenging Intent and Circumstance

• Lack of Sexual Intent: The most powerful defense in many cases. We argue that the exposure was due to an emergency (public urination), an uncontrollable compulsion stemming from a mental health condition (without sexual motive), or a simple, non-sexual drunken mistake. This negates the necessary element of sexual purpose, reducing the charge or securing a dismissal.
• Accidental Exposure: We present evidence that the act was not willful or flagrant, but a mistake (e.g., dropping a towel, faulty clothing, or a private act witnessed only due to extreme lack of privacy expectation).
• Mistaken Identity/Insufficient Evidence: We challenge the accuser's ability to accurately identify the client, particularly in cases that occurred at night, at a distance, or under stress.

Diversion and Rehabilitation Pathways

For first-time offenders whose conduct stems from underlying issues, our firm prioritizes non-conviction outcomes:

• Pretrial Intervention (PTI): For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue PTI, a program that leads to the dismissal of all charges upon successful completion of a probationary period, avoiding jail time and a criminal conviction.
• Mental Health/Compulsion Defense: We may introduce psychological evaluations to argue for therapeutic intervention or commitment over punitive jail time, demonstrating that the underlying issue is a matter of treatment, not malice.