While Florida does not have a statewide public urination law, it is prohibited by local city and county ordinances, and can also be prosecuted under state laws. Penalties can range from a citation or fine to a permanent criminal record, so it is important to take these allegations seriously and protect your legal rights from the earliest moments of your case.
If you have been charged with public urination, immediately contact a municipal ordinance defense attorney who can get to work pursuing the best outcome for your case. An Orlando public urination lawyer can safeguard your interests and construct a defense that takes all mitigating factors into account.
In many cases, you would be charged with violating a municipal ordinance if you are caught urinating publicly. These laws typically prohibit public urination and can result in fines and, in some cases, jail time. However, public urination can lead to state criminal charges under the indecent exposure statute, which is a first-degree misdemeanor. You should immediately contact an Orlando attorney if you are charged for alleged public urination.
To secure an indecent exposure conviction for public urination, a prosecutor must prove that you exposed your genitals in a public or visible place with lewd or offensive intent. A conviction can result in a $1,000 fine, up to a year in jail, or both. If your behavior is disruptive, aggressive, or causes a public disturbance, you could face disorderly conduct charges in addition to other charges. Disorderly conduct is a second-degree misdemeanor, with consequences including up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If the public urination occurs in the presence of a minor under 16, the offense can escalate to the second-degree felony of lewd and lascivious exhibition with much more severe penalties. A second-degree felony is a serious crime that carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, in addition to a lengthy period of probation. The severity of the charges also increases if the accused is a repeat offender.
If you are facing charges related to public urination, you should contact a qualified Orlando attorney immediately to discuss your legal options. There may be numerous, viable legal defenses at your disposal that could be used to eliminate or mitigate the charge against you. Potential strong defenses can involve challenging the elements of the offense.
The core of a public urination charge is that the act occurred in a public place, making it visible to the public. If the urination was not visible to the public, it might not meet the definition of the offense. If you had an overwhelming, unavoidable medical need to urinate and no other options were available, this could also be a defense.
If you genuinely did not realize you were in a public place when you urinated, you may have a defense based on a reasonable mistake of fact. The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and if there is a lack of credible witnesses or evidence, the case may be dismissed.
A lawyer can help you understand the specific laws that apply to your case and develop an effective defense strategy. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges, potentially avoiding a criminal record or fines.
Even minor public urination charges should be taken seriously, as they carry potential legal and social consequences. A conviction can lead to a permanent record, which can impact future employment, education, and other opportunities.
Working with an experienced Orlando public urination lawyer is essential to protect your future and build the best possible defense. Contact The Umansky Law Firm today to schedule your free and confidential case consultation.
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