September 28, 2023 | Sex Crimes
It may seem adventurous to meet someone or arrange to meet your partner and have sex in a car. Unless it is against the law, two consenting adults can have sex whenever they desire. However, having sex in a car in Louisville, KY, might break a few laws under certain circumstances.
Cars are not always as private as people presume. Therefore, having sex in a car could result in indecent exposure charges in Louisville.
What Is Indecent Exposure in Louisville, KY?
Kentucky law defines indecent exposure as:
- Exposing genitalia in public
- Having intercourse in a public area
- Conduct that could be suggestive of sexual activity
Indecent exposure includes intentional displays of sexual activity or public nudity. However, you do not need to intend to be discovered having sex in a car to be charged with this sex crime in Louisville. Recklessly exposing yourself or engaging in sexual activity can result in an indecent exposure charge.
Factors To Consider When Facing Indecent Exposure for Having Sex in a Car
Indecent exposure charges often require the prosecutor to prove intent to offend others to obtain a conviction. However, there could be situations where reckless behavior could result in a conviction.
An experienced Louisville indecent exposure lawyer considers all relevant factors in your case to develop a defense strategy. Some factors that your attorney will explore include:
Did You Intentionally and Willfully Expose Yourself?
You might not avoid criminal charges if your actions were willful and intentional. However, suppose your exposure was accidental, such as a wardrobe malfunction. In that case, you might argue that you could not have foreseen this and did not commit a criminal act.
Were You Having Consensual Sexual Activity?
Consent may play a role in some cases. You might not be charged with a crime if you prove that you and your partner were consenting adults. The key will be whether someone says they say you and your partner engaging in sexual activity.
What Is the Definition of Private Body Parts?
People have varying standards about what constitutes private body parts. Generally, private body parts include the male and female sex organs. In some states, it could also include the buttocks.
Some jurisdictions may have exemptions for mothers who are breastfeeding. However, checking local laws before assuming breastfeeding is an exception is always wise.
Were You In a Public Place?
Public places are usually defined as somewhere where there is a reasonable chance you could be seen. That would include parking lots, garages, parks, office buildings, and more. However, if a person trespassing on private property witnesses the act, you might avoid an indecent exposure charge.
Is Having Sex in a Car in Louisville Illegal?
No law makes having sex in a car illegal in Kentucky. However, that does not mean it is safe to do so in all locations. If someone sees you having sex in your car, you could be charged with one or more sex crimes, including indecent exposure.
What Is the Punishment for Indecent Exposure in Louisville, KY?
Depending on the facts of the case and your criminal history, you could be charged with indecent exposure in the first or second degree for having sex in a car. If so, you face fines and minimal jail time. However, if you are charged with felony indecent exposure, you face prison time.
If there is a minor present, it is an aggravating offense that could result in more severe penalties. Exposing yourself or engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor is a serious sex crime. Even if you did not know children were present, you may still face harsher penalties for a conviction.
You may also be required to register as a sex offender. If so, this could follow you for the rest of your life. Registered sex offenders must follow strict rules about where they can live and when they need to report to authorities.
If you are facing a sex crimes charge for having sex in public, you want to consult an attorney with experience handling sex offenses. A Louisville sex crimes attorney can review the charges against you, analyze the circumstances surrounding the charges, and explain whether you have one or more defenses that could get the charges dismissed.
Contact a Louisville Sex Crimes Attorney for Help
False accusations can result in severe outcomes like broken relationships, ruined reputations, and even criminal charges. So, it’s essential for people to know their rights and be well-prepared to handle such situations.
For more information, contact the sex crimes attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC. Give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC
214 S Clay St A
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 371-7000