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ToggleUrinating in public is illegal in Phoenix, and doing this can imply facing an additional criminal charge for indecent exposure. A person with both criminal charges may have to pay fines and spend time in jail. However, the most significant consequence is not that these crimes come with penalties but that they can stay on a person’s record, harming their future life opportunities.
Urinating in public and indecent exposure
The City Code of Phoenix states that urinating in any public place is an offense. The criminal charges a person can face for doing this depends widely on how the offense happened. If a person urinates discreetly, like behind the bushes or around a dumpster, the court may only charge them with public urination. However, those who urinate in plain view can also face a conviction for indecent exposure. The crime of indecent exposure has harsher consequences.
The penalties
A person with a criminal conviction for urinating in public has to pay a fine of up to $500. Additionally, a perpetrator may also face the consequences of an indecent exposure conviction if their circumstances are against them. Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor, and its penalties include a maximum fine of $2500 and up to six months in jail. Nonetheless, most people fear not the legal penalties but the negative consequences of these convictions on employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
A possible defense
A criminal charge does not necessarily lead to a conviction. If you have a criminal charge for indecent exposure or urinating in public, you still have the right to defend yourself in court. You could reduce or drop your charges with a good argument and proof. That way, you won’t have to pay the expensive consequence of having a criminal conviction on your record.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
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Tempe
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Lake Havasu City
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Apache Junction
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Parker