Indecent Exposure and Outraging Public Decency

Expert Sexual Offences Solicitors in the UK

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Indecent exposure and outraging public decency are serious criminal offences that can result prison sentences on conviction. You can also be added to the Sex Offender’s Register which could affect your ability to find employment or travel to other countries. We know you may be anxious and worried, but you do not have to face the process alone. Our Sexual Offences Solicitors are some of the UK’s most recognised and respected professionals in their field. The Legal 500’s editorial comment states:

“The ‘professional and approachable’ team at Reeds Solicitors is ‘very client focused and produces excellent results’ across a broad range of publicly and privately funded criminal law matters.”

We can help you if you have been arrested or charged with indecent exposure or outraging public decency. Our team can provide specialist legal advice and representation and will do everything we can to get the best outcome possible.

Our solicitors have the expertise and experience required to advise and represent you. Please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.

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How We Can Help

Our Solicitors have a proven track record in handling a wide range of harassment and stalking cases, from minor offences to complex and high-profile trials. With extensive knowledge of sexual offences law, you can trust us to build a robust defence and do everything possible to have charges against you dismissed before your court date.

We believe in fighting relentlessly to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome. Our team is known for its tenacity, strategic thinking, and persuasive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

Your needs and concerns are our top priority. We take the time to listen and understand your situation. We will develop a customised defence strategy that aligns with your goals. Our Solicitors provide regular updates and clear communication throughout the legal process.

Our Sexual Offences Solicitors handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to stalking, harassment, upskirting, voyeurism, revenge porn, deep fakes, cyberflashing, and more. No matter how complex your case, we have the expertise to provide robust representation.

We understand the sensitive nature of criminal cases. Rest assured, all discussions and information shared with our team are strictly confidential. Your privacy and reputation are paramount to us.

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FAQ

Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 sets out the offence of indecent exposure. A person commits the offence if:

  1. They expose their genitals, and
  2. In doing so, intend to cause alarm or distress.

Exposure can be done by a man or a woman and in a public or private setting.

This is a wide-ranging offence that covers doing anything lewd, obscene, or disgusting in a public place (in front of two or more people). Examples include:

  • Having sexual intercourse in a public place.
  • Defecating or urinating in public.
  • Masturbating in public.
  • Posting obscene material online.

Flashing is the colloquial or slang term for indecent exposure.

Cyber-flashing typically involves a person sending an unsolicited sexual image to others via social media or dating apps. Images can also be sent via data-sharing services such as Bluetooth and Airdrop. In many cases, a preview of the photo can appear on a person’s device – meaning that even if the transfer is rejected, the person being sent the image has no choice but to view it.

Outraging public decency can encompass exposure; however, the former offence can only be committed if the act is done in public, indecent exposure can happen in a private setting.

Yes it is possible, albeit that may mean you have been ‘over charged’. The Crown (CPS) Would have to show:

  1. They have enough evidence to achieve a “realistic prospect of conviction”, and
  2. It is in the public interest to prosecute you.

For both offences. This test is known as the Charging Standard. Our Sexual Offences Solicitors will challenge this wherever possible to try and prevent a formal prosecution being brought against you.

If you have been convicted of indecent exposure you may be given a fine and/or a Community Order. However, if you are a repeat offender or the circumstances are particularly severe, you could go to prison for a maximum of two years.

The sentence for outraging public decency is normally heard in the Magistrates’ Court and conviction can lead to up to six months’ imprisonment. Typically, the sentences involve a fine and/or a Community Order or a short custodial sentence.

A Sexual Offences Solicitor can come straight to the police station following your phone call. They will then take control of the situation by:

  • Checking your rights have been observed, for example, you have been given something to eat or drink, allowed to go to the toilet, and have been allowed to contact someone to bring in any medication you need.
  • Look at the circumstances of your arrest to ensure proper procedures were followed and the arrest was lawful.
  • Talk to the Custody Officer and Investigating Officer to find out what evidence the police have for holding you.
  • Advise and represent you during a police interview.
  • Arguing that you should be released without further charge. If Pre-Charge Bail is proposed, your Solicitor will challenge the police as to whether pre-charge bail is necessary and proportionate.
  • After you are released from the Police Station they will work with you to seek to persuade the Prosecution to not pursue a prosecution or consider alternative methods of disposal. For further information, see our Pre Charge Engagement section of a Sexual Offences page.

Your Sexual Offences Solicitor will do everything possible to stop the CPS prosecuting you for indecent exposure or outraging public decency. If prosecution proves inevitable, you can be confident that we will prepare and present a strong defence and work tirelessly to protect your best interests.

Our Sexual Offences Solicitors have the expertise and experience required to advise and represent you. Please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.