Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Public Urination ticket in Westminster, California

Im a 20 year old male. This past saturday 06/11/11 at 1:25pm i was ticketed for "Public Urination." In Westminster, California. what had happen was that i was going to a 711 that was near my friends house and when i had arrived, i had to go to the bathroom. I asked the employe if they had a restroom and he told me no, so since i couldnt hold it, i went around the side of 711 to the dumpster and began to urinate. i was faceing the dumpster, not the wall or towards traffic. Halfway through my urinating the cop pulled up to me and shinned his light. I immediately stopped and walked towards the officer. he asked me if i was urinating and i told him yes, then He asked me if i saw him and i said no, then he asked for my ID and i gave it to him. He asked me if my address was correct and i said yes. then he told me to stand against the front of the car. He didnt ask me anymore question and just handed me the ticket. while looking over the ticket i saw that it was considered a misdemeanor. after telling my friends they told me i could go down as a sex offeder. and thats what brings me here.. Im afraid that i could be registered as one. i have a good job, and i dont have any criminal record or have had any problems with the law. What should i do and What could possibly happen? could i be registered as one? could it go on my record? i need advice and by the way i was intoxicated or anything. i just had to go. Thanks in Advance


Asked on 6/12/11, 11:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

I'm sorry this happened to you. As the officer said, you could be charged with indecent exposure which could possibly result in lifetime registration as a sex offender. And any criminal record will make it very difficult to apply for jobs, maybe forever. The first step is to retain a private criminal defense lawyer well in advance of your first court date. I defend criminal misdemeanor cases in Westminster all the time and I am familiar with the judges and deputy district attorneys there. If you have an attorney you don't have to go to most court appearances or take time off from work. Please feel free to call me at any reasonable hour for a free consultation.

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Answered on 6/13/11, 12:01 am
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

I'm going to differ from your friends and the other answer. No way you're charged with anything that could end up with sex offender registration. In order for a charge of indecent exposure to stick, the evidence would have to be that you intentionally exposed yourself for sexual gratification or with intent to direct attention towards your genitalia. Definitely NOT your scenario from what you wrote.

Having said that, you're still looking at a local municipal code that is a misdemeanor - something you want to avoid on your record if at all possible. If the officer didn't see you urinating or inspect the area, you admission of urinating may not be admissible.

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Answered on 6/13/11, 6:07 am


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