Within the parameters of Colorado law, most sexual offenses are taken very seriously. However, the mother of a woman who was subjected to indecent exposure believes law enforcement officials are not doing enough to deter her daughter's assailant. She believes the man should be behind bars and is concerned that his propensity for sexual crime could soon escalate into sexual assault.

In August, a 30-year-old man from Colorado Springs was charged with indecent exposure after he allegedly entered a 7-Eleven where the woman's daughter was working. Reportedly, the man began making lewd gestures toward the 23-year-old daughter. He subsequently purchased a bottle of water and proceeded to pull down his pants and fondle himself. About an hour after the alleged incident, a customer helped police officers detain a man and the victim was able to identify him.

Later in the month, the same man was arrested on a second charge of indecent exposure and a subsequent victim told police that he had confronted her on the street before exposing himself near West Colorado Avenue. The man appeared before a judge and was charged with obstructing a police officer, criminal impersonation and two counts of indecent exposure. His bond was set at $1,000. The mother of the first victim believes the low bond will make it easier for the man to get out of jail and given his criminal record, he should remain detained.

The defendant in this case is already serving probation for sexual contact without consent. As such, it seems reasonable that recent victims would be concerned that his indecent exposure could escalate into sexual assault. Nonetheless, Colorado laws maintain that indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor, thereby limiting official capacity to keep the man in jail.

It goes without saying that current legislation is in place to protect people who fall on both sides of the law. Nonetheless, the man involved in this case has a prior criminal record and may find himself on a slippery slope to stiffer charges. Whether charged with sexual assault or a misdemeanor sexual offense, individuals who stand accused will likely find benefit in seeking the aid of legal counsel. In cases like this, where the public pushes for harsher sentencing, qualified legal counsel may be able to help the accused maintain perspective.

Source: KRDO, "Flashing Suspect Caught In West Colorado Springs," Scott Harrison, Aug. 25, 2011