Yes, You Can. And It Can Get a Lot Worse Than You Think.
You had to go. Maybe it was late at night after the bars closed. Maybe you were at a park, a concert, or somewhere with no bathroom nearby. You stepped behind a dumpster or into an alley, thinking it was no big deal.
Then the flashing lights showed up.
Now you are facing a criminal charge, and you are wondering how something as common as public urination could land you in jail, or worse.
At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we defend people every week who had no idea how seriously Colorado law treats this issue. The reality is, public urination can carry much heavier consequences than most people expect. Here is what you need to know, and how we can help protect your future from one bad decision.
Is Public Urination Actually Illegal in Colorado?
Yes. While Colorado does not have a statewide statute specifically for public urination, many cities and counties treat it as a criminal offense under local ordinances. That means even though the state criminal code may not use the words “public urination,” most jurisdictions treat it as a serious public nuisance offense.
You can be charged under:
- Public indecency
- Indecent exposure
- Disorderly conduct
- Public nuisance ordinances
- Sanitation or health code violations
Which charge you face depends on the city, the facts of the case, and the discretion of the officer and prosecutor.
When Does It Become a Criminal Charge?
A simple act of urinating in public can lead to criminal charges in the following situations:
- You are seen by other people, especially children
- You are near schools, parks, bus stops, or other public places
- Someone reports the incident and says they felt threatened or offended
- Law enforcement determines it was intentional, lewd, or done while intoxicated
Even if you tried to be discreet, officers often view any exposure of genitalia in public as potential indecent exposure, which is a far more serious charge.
What Are the Penalties?
The penalties for public urination in Colorado vary depending on how it is charged.
Most Common Charges and Their Consequences:
Public Indecency (CRS 18-7-301)
- Class 1 petty offense or Class 1 misdemeanor
- Up to 6 to 18 months in jail
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5000
- Permanent criminal record
Indecent Exposure (CRS 18-7-302)
- Class 1 misdemeanor on first offense
- Class 6 felony if repeated or if a child was present
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
Municipal Ordinance Violation
- Usually classified as a petty offense or civil infraction
- May include fines, probation, or community service
- Can still appear on your public criminal record
You read that right, what starts as relieving yourself outside could end with jail time or even sex offender registration. That is why taking these charges seriously is not optional.
Sex Offender Registration? For Public Urination?
Unfortunately, yes. If the act is charged as indecent exposure and the prosecution can show intent to arouse or offend, or if a minor witnessed the act, you could be required to register as a sex offender in Colorado.
That means:
- You must report your address regularly to law enforcement
- You may be prohibited from living near schools, parks, or playgrounds
- You may face restrictions on employment
- Your name and offense may be publicly searchable
- The label could follow you for life
In many cases, our clients had no idea such a risk existed. They thought it would be a ticket. They never imagined a lifetime label for a single act.
We do everything in our power to make sure that does not happen to you.
Can You Be Arrested On the Spot?
Yes. Even if you are cooperative, you can be arrested and booked. Most commonly this happens when:
- You are intoxicated or uncooperative
- You are caught in the act by an officer
- A civilian reports the incident and presses the issue
- You are in a location where exposure laws are enforced strictly
Officers may issue a citation in some cases, but they also have full authority to detain you immediately.
What If This Was a First-Time Offense?
That helps, but it does not make the case go away. Prosecutors may be more flexible, especially if no one was harmed and the situation was non-threatening. You may be eligible for:
- Diversion programs
- Deferred sentencing
- Plea to a lesser municipal violation
- Community service and probation instead of jail time
Our team regularly negotiates favorable outcomes for first-time offenders, especially those who are respectful, remorseful, and proactive.
Still, it is important to never plead guilty just to “get it over with.” Even a petty offense can follow you on background checks, limit your job prospects, and cause embarrassment long after the fine is paid.
Defenses We Use in Public Urination Cases
These charges are defensible. Our job is to protect your record, your reputation, and your future by building a clear, credible defense.
Some common strategies include:
- Showing you were not in a truly public space
- Demonstrating you took steps to stay discreet and did not expose yourself
- Challenging whether anyone was offended or actually witnessed the act
- Arguing lack of intent to commit indecent exposure
- Proving that the situation was misinterpreted or exaggerated
- Negotiating for dismissal, sealing, or reduction to a non-criminal offense
The earlier you call us, the more options we will have to resolve the case before it gets worse.
Why Choose Shazam Kianpour & Associates?
Because we do not judge you. We defend you.
People come to us worried, embarrassed, and unsure what to do. Our team treats you with respect, explains your options clearly, and moves fast to keep your case under control.
- Decades of combined criminal defense experience
- Thousands of cases handled across Colorado
- Strategic negotiation and aggressive trial defense
- Same-day consultations and 24/7 emergency access
- Personal attention from attorneys who actually care
This charge may not seem serious to some lawyers, but to us, if it could hurt your future, it is serious. Period.
Don’t Let One Bad Moment Define Your Life
We get it. Nature called. It happens to everyone. But in the eyes of Colorado law, public urination can turn into something far bigger than a warning or a ticket.
If you were cited or arrested, do not wait until your court date to figure things out. Talk to our team now. We can guide you, defend you, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Call today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ve got your back.