Can You Beat an Indecent Exposure Charge in California?

An indecent exposure charge is one of those accusations that can follow you forever — even if it’s your first offense, and even if the facts are more complicated than they first appear. You might be shocked to learn that a single misunderstanding, false accusation, or momentary lapse in judgment can lead not only to criminal charges but also to potential sex offender registration under California law. But being charged doesn’t mean being convicted — and it’s absolutely possible to beat an indecent exposure charge with the right legal strategy.

In California, Penal Code § 314 makes it a misdemeanor (or in some cases, a felony) to willfully expose yourself in public for sexual gratification or to offend others. But the law requires the prosecution to prove both intent and lewd conduct — and those are not always easy to establish. Many cases fall apart because the state can’t show that the accused acted with the required mental state, or because the conduct was misinterpreted by witnesses or law enforcement.

For example, if you were urinating in public, changing clothes discreetly, or misunderstood by someone in a park, beach, or car, we can often argue that there was no lewd intent. In other cases, people are falsely accused during relationship disputes, or targeted after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The circumstances matter — and we know how to tell your side of the story.

When you’re facing this kind of charge, discretion and fast legal action are critical. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we understand how damaging an indecent exposure charge can be — not just legally, but personally and professionally. We’ve helped clients across Los Angeles avoid jail, avoid public registration, and keep their records clean. We do this by attacking weak evidence, filing motions to dismiss, and negotiating alternatives like diversion — especially for first-time offenders.

One of the most powerful defenses in indecent exposure cases is lack of intent. If the state can’t prove you meant to expose yourself for lewd reasons, they may not have a case. We also look closely at witness credibility, police bodycam footage, and location context to show that what happened may not rise to the level of a criminal offense.

In some situations, a conviction may be avoided altogether through pretrial diversion programs, especially when mental health or substance issues are involved. These options allow you to complete counseling or classes in exchange for dismissal — no conviction, no jail, and no sex offender registration. But these outcomes aren’t automatic. Prosecutors won’t offer them unless they’re pressured — and that’s where we come in.

When you contact our firm, Attorney Arash Hashemi will work directly with you to evaluate every aspect of your case. We don’t wait for the court date to get started — we take immediate steps to protect your rights and get ahead of the prosecution. That means reviewing the police report and witness statements in detail, challenging any claim of lewd intent or offensive conduct, and investigating whether your rights were violated during the arrest or questioning. We negotiate directly with prosecutors whenever possible to seek a reduction or dismissal — and if the case goes to trial, we’re fully prepared to fight in court on your behalf.

If you’ve been charged with indecent exposure in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westwood, or anywhere in L.A. County, time is critical. The longer you wait to take action, the more time prosecutors have to build their case.

We move quickly — contacting the prosecutor early, requesting discovery, and identifying legal defenses before your first court date. Whether the allegation involves a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or a situation blown out of proportion, we fight to take control of the case and push for the best possible outcome. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.

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Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to predict outcomes, as individual circumstances vary and laws may change over time. Those seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified attorney to understand how current laws apply to their specific situation. For detailed legal guidance on the topics discussed, please contact our law firm directly.