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An arrest for indecent assault or indecent exposure in Delaware County can instantly derail your life. Beyond the immediate threat of jail time, these charges carry a severe social stigma and, in many cases, mandatory registration as a sex offender. The mere accusation can threaten your employment, your standing in the community, and your family relationships.

The defense attorneys at SKA Law Group understand that these charges are often the result of misunderstandings, false accusations, or lapses in judgment. We provide discreet, aggressive, and highly strategic defense representation to protect your reputation and your freedom in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media.

Indecent Assault vs. Indecent Exposure in Pennsylvania

While often grouped together, indecent assault and indecent exposure are distinct offenses under Pennsylvania law with different legal elements and penalties.

Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126)

Indecent assault involves unwanted physical contact. It occurs when a person has “indecent contact” with another person without their consent, or causes another person to have indecent contact with them, for the purpose of arousing sexual desire.
Depending on the circumstances—such as the age of the victim, the use of force, or a history of prior offenses—indecent assault can be graded as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor (M2) (up to 2 years in prison), a First-Degree Misdemeanor (M1) (up to 5 years), or a Third-Degree Felony (F3) (up to 7 years).

Indecent Exposure (18 Pa.C.S. § 3127)

Indecent exposure does not involve physical contact. It occurs when a person exposes their genitals in any public place or in any place where there are present other persons under circumstances in which the person knows or should know that this conduct is likely to offend, affront, or alarm.
Indecent exposure is typically graded as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor (M2), punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, if any of the persons present are under the age of 16, the charge is elevated to a First-Degree Misdemeanor (M1), punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Megan’s Law and SORNA Registration

One of the most severe consequences of a conviction for either of these offenses is the potential requirement to register as a sex offender under Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), commonly known as Megan’s Law.

A conviction for indecent assault or indecent exposure (especially if minors are involved) can trigger mandatory public registration. This means your name, photograph, and address will be published on the state’s sex offender registry, severely restricting your ability to find housing, secure employment, and participate in community activities.

Defending Against Indecent Assault and Exposure Charges

These cases are highly defensible when handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney. At SKA Law Group, we employ several proven defense strategies:

Lack of Intent: For indecent exposure, the prosecution must prove that you exposed yourself with the intent to arouse sexual desire or to offend others. If the exposure was accidental (e.g., changing clothes, urinating in a secluded area), the intent element cannot be met.
Mistaken Identity: In public exposure cases, eyewitness identification is often unreliable. We challenge the accuracy of the identification and seek to suppress flawed lineup procedures.
Consent: In indecent assault cases, we gather evidence such as text messages and witness testimony to demonstrate that the physical contact was consensual.
False Accusations: We aggressively investigate the accuser’s background to uncover motives for fabrication, such as revenge or leverage in a custody dispute.

Contact SKA Law Group Today

If you are facing charges for indecent assault or indecent exposure in Delaware County, you cannot afford to wait. Do not speak to the police without an attorney present.

Contact SKA Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation. Our experienced criminal defense team will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed and protect your future.