Indecent Exposure Attorney in Fort Bend County
Charged With Indecent Exposure And Not Sure What To Do? Contact Us For Guidance
An indecent exposure charge can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may feel embarrassed, worried about who will find out, and unsure what this means for your record. If your case is in Fort Bend County, you need clear information and a reliable plan forward.
At Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, we represent people who have been accused of indecent exposure and other criminal offenses in this area. Our team understands how stressful and isolating this experience can be. We focus on protecting your rights, guiding you through each step, and working to limit the impact this accusation has on your future.
With 40 years of combined legal experience and a former Texas state prosecutor on our team, we bring courtroom insight from both sides of the aisle. We know how prosecutors approach these cases and how judges in this county tend to view them. We use that knowledge to build a defense strategy tailored to your situation and your goals.
Your future is worth fighting for. Call (281) 232-0505 or contact Rosen & Kovach, PLLC online for a free consultation. As your indecent exposure attorney in Fort Bend County, we will use our 40 years of combined experience to fight for a dismissal and keep your record clean.
Understanding Indecent Exposure Laws in Texas
Texas Penal Code § 21.08 defines indecent exposure with specific elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Simply being seen in a state of undress is not always enough to sustain a conviction.
Under Texas law, a person commits indecent exposure if they expose their anus or any part of their genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, and they are reckless about whether another person is present who will be offended or alarmed.
Common Scenarios and Defenses
- Public Urination: Often, law enforcement will charge someone with indecent exposure for urinating in public. However, if there was no "sexual intent," this charge is improper. We frequently fight to have these charges reduced to simple disorderly conduct or dismissed entirely.
- Accidental Exposure: If you were changing clothes in a place you believed to be private, the element of "recklessness" may be missing.
- The Intent Element: The most critical battleground in these cases is proving intent. If the exposure was a prank (like "mooning") or an accident, it does not meet the legal threshold for indecent exposure in Texas.
Fort Bend County prosecutors and local law enforcement in Richmond and Sugar Land have increased their scrutiny of "public decency" cases. Having a Fort Bend County indecent exposure lawyer who understands the nuances of these local courts is essential.
Penalties of Indecent Exposure Convictions in Fort Bend County
The penalties for indecent exposure are designed to be punitive, and the current legal landscape in Texas offers very little leniency for repeat offenders.
Criminal Penalties
- First Offense: Typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in the Fort Bend County Jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- Repeat Offenses: Under Texas HB 1730, if you have one prior conviction for indecent exposure, the charge is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail). A third offense is prosecuted as a state jail felony, carrying a potential sentence of 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.
The Stigma of Sex Offender Registration
One of the most terrifying aspects of an indecent exposure charge is the potential for sex offender registration. In Texas, a second conviction for indecent exposure (or a first conviction if the victim was a minor) can trigger mandatory sex offender registration for 10 years or more. This requires you to report to local law enforcement, and your name, photo, and address will be searchable by the public.
Collateral Consequences
- Employment: Most employers in the Houston-Sugar Land metro area conduct background checks. A sex-related conviction can make it nearly impossible to work in healthcare, education, or high-level corporate roles.
- Housing: Landlords frequently deny applications for anyone with a "public indecency" record.
- Professional Licenses: If you hold a license for nursing, teaching, or real estate, a conviction can lead to an automatic disciplinary hearing and revocation.
Our Approach: The Advantage of a Texas Criminal Law Specialist
Our defense of indecent exposure cases begins with understanding your side of the story and reviewing all charging documents. We gather discovery materials, including incident reports, witness statements, and recordings, to see exactly what the prosecution plans to use. This careful review allows us to tailor a strategy based on the specifics of your situation.
We analyze the evidence for weaknesses, such as intent, identification, witness credibility, and whether the location meets legal standards. We also examine law enforcement’s handling of the case, including stops, searches, or seizures, to identify potential violations of your constitutional rights. These findings guide decisions on motions, challenges, or other legal actions.
Our approach balances trial readiness with negotiation options. We explain potential outcomes, risks, and benefits while working toward resolutions that may reduce charges, seek probation, or address underlying issues. Beyond the immediate case, we advise on long-term options like record expunction to help protect your future and provide hope while your current matter is resolved.
Meticulous Investigation
We don't take the police officer's word as gospel. We investigate:
- Lighting and Visibility: Was it actually possible for the accuser to see what they claim?
- Witness Credibility: Does the accuser have a motive to lie or exaggerate?
- Surveillance Footage: We secure digital evidence to show the context of the interaction.
At Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, we don't just "manage" your case; we attack the prosecution's evidence. Our defense strategy is built on over 40 years of combined experience.
What To Do After An Arrest for Indecent Exposure in Fort Bend County
The time right after an indecent exposure arrest is often the most confusing. You may have been taken to the Fort Bend County Jail, given bond conditions, and told to appear in court on a specific date. It can feel like the system is moving quickly while you are still trying to understand what happened.
Helpful steps to protect your rights after an arrest include:
- Staying calm and following any temporary release conditions to avoid new legal problems.
- Refusing to discuss the facts of the incident with law enforcement or anyone else without a lawyer present.
- Gathering any information that might be relevant, such as names of witnesses, messages, or locations where the incident was alleged to have occurred.
- Keeping paperwork from the jail or magistrate, including the case number and your next court date.
- Contacting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can, so your attorney has time to review the case before key decisions are made.
We encourage people to speak with counsel before signing written statements or agreeing to interviews about the event. Even comments you think are harmless can sometimes be used in ways you did not expect. Once we are involved, we can communicate with the prosecutor’s office for you and help you avoid statements that might harm your defense.
From the first meeting, our team works to explain the process in clear terms. We can walk you through what to expect at your next hearing, how we will obtain and review the evidence, and what the possible paths forward might look like. Knowing the steps ahead often reduces anxiety and gives you a sense of control.
Early action can also help us preserve favorable evidence and identify issues that might support a motion or negotiation later. Even if your court date is several weeks away, it is rarely too early to start building your defense.
Why Choose Our Sex Crimes Defense Team
Choosing the right defense team for an indecent exposure allegation means more than hiring a lawyer—it means trusting someone with your reputation, record, and future. Our firm approaches each case with respect and thoroughness, treating every client as a real person who deserves a careful, personalized defense.
With 40 years of combined criminal law experience, including time as a former state prosecutor, our attorneys understand how the prosecution views your case. This perspective helps us anticipate arguments about intent, identification, and how the incident might be presented, allowing us to develop an effective defense strategy.
We carefully analyze police reports, witness statements, and video or digital evidence to uncover inconsistencies and potential violations of your constitutional rights. Beyond court appearances, we assist with negotiations, hearings, trials, appeals, probation matters, and potential expungement. Throughout the process, we prioritize dignity, confidentiality, and nonjudgmental guidance so clients can speak openly and receive the strongest possible defense.
Call (281) 232-0505 or reach out online to speak with our team about your indecent exposure case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for indecent exposure?
Jail time is possible, but it is not automatic. The result depends on the specific facts, your criminal history, and how the court views your case. We review these factors, explain the realistic range of outcomes, and work to pursue results that avoid or reduce time in custody.
How private is my indecent exposure case with your firm?
Your case is handled confidentially, and we treat every client with respect. We understand the sensitive nature of indecent exposure accusations and know that many people feel embarrassed. Our conversations are protected, and we encourage honest communication so we can defend you effectively.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after my arrest?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement allows us to advise you before you speak to law enforcement, track important deadlines, and start reviewing the evidence. The sooner we are on your side, the more options we typically have for shaping your defense.
Does a past criminal record make my indecent exposure case worse?
A prior record can affect how prosecutors and judges evaluate your case, especially if there are similar past charges. It does not mean you are out of options. We look at your complete history and work to present positive information that may support better resolutions.
How does having a former prosecutor on your team help my case?
Our former prosecutor understands how the state builds and evaluates indecent exposure cases. That insight helps us anticipate likely strategies, spot weaknesses in the evidence, and present arguments that address concerns the prosecution may have. It is one of the ways we design focused and informed defense plans.
If you are facing an indecent exposure charge in this area, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Our attorneys at Rosen & Kovach, PLLC are prepared to review your situation, explain your options, and stand with you in court.
"John made things happen!"John Kovach represented me in two cases in which both were dismissed and jail time was avoided.
- Katelyn
You Need a Fighter on Your Side
Why Choose Rosen & Kovach, PLLC
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Texas Criminal Law Specialist
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Rated Av Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®
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Experienced as a Former Texas Prosecutor
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Defended More Than 10 Capital Murder Cases
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Admitted to Practice in All of the State Courts in Texas
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Featured on Various National News Networks & Shows