When people hear the words “Public Indecency,” they think of a disgusting act. In fact, the very definition of “indecent” is:

“Offending against generally accepted standards of propriety or good taste; improper; vulgar, not decent; unbecoming or unseemly.”

So, in general, an indecent act would be something which goes against what is generally considered to be good taste. But, what many people don't know is that Public Indecency is a crime in Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County. It is both a city crime and a state offense. And, the definition in the municipal code is extremely broad, including things we've all done in public. This crime is charged for everyday people like you and me – people caught spitting in public.

Charged with Public Indecency?

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Spitting in Public is an Indecent Act?

According to Westminster's municipal laws regarding Public Indecency – 6-4-1, spitting in public is a crime. If any of the following offenses are committed in a public place, “where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by members of the public,” they will be charged:

• Sexual Intercourse
• Deviate Sexual Intercourse
• Lewd Exposure of the Body
• Lewd Fondling or Caress of Another Person's Body
• Masturbation
• Excretory Function (urination, defecation, or expectoration)

You read that right. Listed among the indecent acts, right beside having sex in public, is “expectoration,” otherwise known as spitting. Now, as a logical society, we can all agree that having sex in public goes against “good taste.” Lewdly fondling another person in public is also considered to be “unseemly.” But, spitting in public? While people might find it “yucky” or rude, it should not be listed among sexual crimes and treated the same in a municipal court. But, in Westminster, that's exactly what's going to happen.

Charged with Public Indecency? Why You Need a Lawyer

While the punishment for spitting in public isn't too harsh, it is still important to fight the charges against you in Adams, Douglas, and El Paso County. This is because having a Public Indecency The municipal offense has the same name as a crime which can be charged as a sex offense. Is this right?conviction on your record doesn't look good. Under Colorado Revised Statute 18-7-301 of Public Indecency, two convictions result in a sex offense conviction. While this doesn't apply to the municipal code law, they are still called the same thing – Public Indecency. People are biased against sex offenders, and likely won't take the time to research what you've been convicted of. Because of this, it's important to get the help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer if you've received a ticket for Public Indecency. Don't ignore the charges against you. Fight against unjust laws like this one by working with a lawyer who will work hard to get your charges dismissed.

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If you or a loved one has received a summons for Public Indecency after spitting in public, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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