Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

public urination of a minor

My 12 year old was in an empty park with 4 other boys all 12. A neighbor called the police reporting one of them peeing in a bush. Of course my son. All the boys have been question except mine. One of the parents reported to me the officer says this is a criminal offense and the charge is exposing yourself to minors. Can they do this? I am affraid to go in with my son. I was just expecting a fine or a warning for disorderley conduct or public urination. Not a petifile charge. What is the worst that could happen? The boy was 6 blocks from home and couldn't hold it. He has no priors. This is hearsay and the police have no other proof besides the neighbor spying out their window and the boys statements. When miranda right are read should I request a lawyer or should he confess and see what happens?


Asked on 10/08/07, 8:29 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Marc V. Taiani AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law

Re: public urination of a minor

For now do nothing, wait until the police contact you directly, if they do at all. I highly doubt anything will come from this matter, but in the event something does, contact my office at your earliest convenience. Also under no circumstances should you or your boy make any statements to the police without first speaking with an attorney or having legal counsel present. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Marc V. Taiani, Esq.

AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law, PC

412.963.8495 (Office)

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Answered on 10/08/07, 8:36 am
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: public urination of a minor

The charge of indecent exposure requires that the exposure be done for sexual gratification. It simply does not apply. Of course, the police may charge whatever they want, but that doesn't mean that it will result in any sort of "conviction," which, because he's a juvenile, would be called an "adjudication."

I would suggest that you not talk to the police at all. You and your son are under no obligation to talk with them.

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Answered on 10/08/07, 10:48 am


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