01/10/2024
How prescription medication can lead to college dr...
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Public restrooms are handy but may not be nearby when you need one. This can force someone to seek momentary privacy in some bushes, a dark corner of a parking lot or some other secluded spot. Unfortunately, some find out their chosen spot wasn’t nearly as secluded as they thought. A resident or passerby may spot the attempt and notify law enforcement that someone is acting suspiciously. The nightmare scenario goes from bad to worse when an officer responds, then alleging that the offender is guilty of indecent exposure.
Could this seemingly innocent act of public urination land you on the sex offender registry? Maybe. In Idaho, it is illegal to urinate or defecate in a public place, which includes publicly owned streets, alleys, rights of way, publicly owned buildings and areas, and privately owned buildings and areas open to the public. Going to the bathroom in public generally is grounds for a modest fine or community service, but it is not a sex crime. Still, that charge could stick because Idaho categorizes indecent exposure as a sex crime.
Getting listed on the registry can upend people’s lives. Those charged could find that:
The sex registry will not identify the reason for the charges, and defendants often find that such arguments as “innocent mistake” or “lapse of judgment” are not enough to refute the prosecution’s claim. It’s crucial to understand and protect your legal rights. It’s generally best to seek legal help to determine the best possible defense for this unfortunate misunderstanding. A criminal law attorney with experience handling indecent exposure charges can guide clients through the legal system and advocate for them, potentially reducing the consequences of your unfortunate encounter.
