Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

I have been issued a summons for charges regarding indecent exposure in virginia. I have talked to two lawyers and the officer that issued the summons and they all said not to lose sleep over it. I can't help but worry how this can impact me, my family, and my current pursuit of employment since the charges are pending. I have been a good citizen with a clean record. Only traffic speeding tickets on my record. Can you help? What should I expect? I'm worrying about unknowns to death.


Asked on 12/08/09, 5:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Bloodworth

You need to direct your question to an attorney in Virginia, in the judicial district where the case will be heard.

To be blunt, a simple goofy streak down the beach among adults or a "caught peeing behind a tree on the golf course" type of charge isn't a serious matter, and might even be dismissed (and expunged) upon payment of court costs.

On the other hand, if this was truly a situation of sexual offense exposure upon unwilling victims, things can get very bad very fast, including sex offender registration with lifetime consequences.

As a minimum, DO NOT simply walk into court and "pay the ticket" without exploring all the options and collateral consequences. Something a prank of a young dumb first offender can later be used against you -- ten or twenty years from now -- when seeking important positions of trust and responsibility.

Read more
Answered on 12/14/09, 10:37 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Tennessee