Exposure of Sexual Organs

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

I was accused of Exposure of Sexual Organs by an acquaintance who works across the street from my place of employment. I passed by Walgreen's where she is employed as I have for several months now and saw her outside on her lunch. I was on lunch as well. We chatted for upwards of 15 minutes as we usually do while in store. (BTW I am married w/ 2 kids, I am 24. She must be about 20-30 years older than me) she informed she was about to head inside and I said Id follow due to me needing some items I usually get for me and my coworkers. She proceeded to the employee lounge of the store while I check the beverages. They did not have what I was looking for so I left and returned to work. About 20-30 minutes later, a police officer shows up to my place of employment and proceeds to read me my rights. After he does, he tells me what the problem is. My accuser claimed I had exposed myself to her several times during the period I was there. He said before I start talking, to not lie to him seeing that they have me on camera. I informed him of my side as I have to you guys here, and proceeded to tell him that all he had on camera was what I had just described. I further told him we had been speaking for several months prior so this is a shock. Also that she had been having personal problems at home and she insisted on laying those on me, without me being interested in any way. He explained that he was not going to arrest me (weird, considering they had "video proof") right? He said she was going to pick up the report and take it to the State Atty, once the state attorney was in receipt of it, they would probably issue a warrant for my arrest. About 3 weeks passed and I received a letter from the State Atty's ofc saying that an investigator wanted to meet with me for a sit down and get my side of the story. I am scheduled to meet him this Thursday. I consulted an Atty but all they told me was that the State Atty usually will send out those "letters" in hope to bring people in and arrest them on the spot after also telling me that an arrest warrant wouldve been issued instead of said letter. I am very confused. I have never in any kind of trouble and I am actually celebrating the birth of my new baby boy. I do not need this seeing I have no time, no money, and my employment is in jeopardy and would like some help in the matter. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

hire the lawyer and follow his directions.

Exactly. You don't EVER want to go to an investigative interview with police or the DA without an attorney. Never. Ever. No.

Well I cannot afford an atty at the moment. Is there anything I should avoid saying or doing?! I am just scared for my family and their well being should something happen.

You do not have to go.

You generally cannot talk your way out of charges. You can often talk your way into charges and even a conviction. If you do go to the interview, I would stand on my 5th amend rights and not answer questions. You might want to try to arrange, the best you can, to find somebody that can and will bail you out of jail should you get arrested.

Ok Thanks for that info. Like I said, apparently I am simply accused as of yet, and sorry for my misunderstanding but I have never been in trouble before so I dont know what is going on. I have yet to be charged, which leads to my next question. If I do in fact go, I have a lot of things as "proof" on my behalf with regards to our professional relationship, which can maybe prove she is starting trouble for whatever reason. Should I even bother to talk to this "investigator" for the State Atty or what?

Quote:

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I have a lot of things as "proof" on my behalf with regards to our professional relationship

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while it might suggest a motive for her actions, it does not prove your innocence.

The same argument can be used against you:

so zechs, you don't get along with the plaintiff. I understand the animosity has been building up over time so I guess you just finally lost it and whipped out your stuff and likely made some lewd suggestion. I understand. A person can only take so much antagonizing from another before they just get so frustrated they react. Is that how it happened? Now, I'm not saying you are some perv running around and exposing yourself to everybody you see but in this situation, I can surely see how you could get so angry you just had to do something to get back at her. I understand. Who wouldn't want to do something like that to somebody that has harassed you for as long as she has? I understand.


get the point? Your defense is also their offense.


If you do talk to the investigator, you need to be very cautious of what you say.

Ok. Thank you jk. I appreciate your fast responses. I guess Ill see what I can do and hope for the best...

Just out of curiosity, why would so frequently chat with someone that may have an interest in damaging your reputation and/or job status?

You are more likely not to get charged if you don't incriminate yourself. If there was sufficient probable cause, you'd be charged already. Without you providing additional probable cause the thing may die.