Indecent Exposure Attorney in Myrtle Beach

Facing An Indecent Exposure Charge In Myrtle Beach? Call Attorney Truslow at (843) 212-1116

T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm located in Myrtle Beach that is dedicated to defending people accused of indecent exposure. Attorney T. Kirk Truslow has spent 30 years in criminal courtrooms, handling numerous jury trials and appeals. He works to protect each client’s record and future and to make sure their side of the story is heard.

If you were arrested or cited for indecent exposure, you do not have to face the process alone. Our firm is available 24 hours a day to discuss your situation and your options. Call (843) 212-1116 or reach out online for a confidential, free initial consultation.

Understanding South Carolina Indecent Exposure Laws

In South Carolina, indecent exposure is primarily governed by S.C. Code § 16-15-130. The statute is deceptively broad, making it a crime to "wilfully, maliciously, and indecently" expose your person in a public place, on the property of others, or in view of anyone on a street or highway.

Our firm defends clients against various scenarios that trigger these charges, including:

• Public Urination: While often unintentional, unzipping in a parking lot or near a beach access can result in a full indecent exposure charge rather than a simple ordinance violation.
• Changing Clothes in Public: Swapping swimsuits at the car or on the beach without adequate cover is a common source of arrests in Myrtle Beach.
• Streaking or Pranks: Behavior meant as a joke is often interpreted as "malicious" by law enforcement.
• Accidental Observations: Being seen through a window or in a parked car while in a state of undress.

Being arrested in Myrtle Beach can create extra stress for visitors. You may live in another state, but still be required to appear in Horry County court. Travel costs, missed work, and anxiety about returning to South Carolina can all add to the pressure you feel. A local criminal defense attorney can help you understand what to expect and how the case is likely to move through the system.

Penalties and Sex Offender Registry for Indecent Exposure Convictions

One of the most shocking aspects of South Carolina law is that indecent exposure is a Class A Misdemeanor that carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison. Unlike many other states, these cases are often heard in General Sessions Court—the same court that handles serious felonies.

The Threat of Mandatory Registration

The stakes are incredibly high regarding the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry. Under S.C. Code § 23-3-430, a judge has the discretion to require you to register as a sex offender if they find the circumstances of the exposure warrant it.

• Public Search: Your name and photo would be visible to anyone searching the registry.
• Employment Barriers: Most employers will not hire individuals on the registry, regardless of the nature of the underlying incident.
• Housing Restrictions: Living in certain areas becomes legally impossible.

As your indecent exposure attorney in Myrtle Beach, our primary goal is to prevent a conviction that triggers these life-altering registration requirements.

How T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. Defends These Cases

When you sit down with T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., the first priority is to understand exactly what happened from your point of view. Attorney T. Kirk Truslow reviews the incident report, any available video, and statements from witnesses, and compares them with your account. The goal is to identify gaps, assumptions, and legal issues that may give rise to defenses.

Indecent exposure cases often turn on details. Questions can include whether anyone actually saw what is alleged, whether you intended anyone to see you, and whether your conduct fits the legal definition of indecent exposure in South Carolina. In crowded areas, misidentification can also become an issue, particularly at night or when alcohol is involved.

After three decades of handling criminal cases, Mr. Truslow has developed a methodical way of evaluating the State’s evidence:

• Challenging Witness Credibility: Many arrests rely on a single, often mistaken, eyewitness. We investigate their line of sight, lighting conditions, and potential biases.
• Negotiating Reductions: We leverage our thirty years of experience to negotiate for a reduction to "Public Disorderly Conduct" or "Public Intoxication." These charges carry far lighter penalties and, crucially, no possibility of sex offender registration.
• Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): For first-time offenders, we often seek entry into a diversion program. Successful completion leads to the total dismissal of the charges and the expungement of your arrest record.
• Digital Evidence Review: We demand any available body-cam or surveillance footage to see if it contradicts the officer’s report or the witness's statement.

What To Do After An Arrest

Taking careful, informed steps early on can help protect your rights and prevent additional complications. Even if your court date is weeks away, the choices you make now may influence how your case develops and the options available to you.

• Be cautious about what you say. You must provide basic identifying information to law enforcement, but you are not required to answer detailed questions without an attorney present. Statements made with good intentions can later be used as evidence.
• Preserve potential evidence. Keep clothing, photographs, text messages, and contact information for witnesses. If video footage may exist, act quickly, as recordings are often deleted or overwritten.
• Understand your bond and court dates. Carefully review any release conditions and note upcoming court appearances, especially in Horry County. Missing a required appearance can lead to additional charges or a warrant.
• Avoid discussing the incident publicly. Do not post about the situation on social media or discuss details with others before speaking with a lawyer. If you have questions about your case, contact T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. at (843) 212-1116 to discuss your situation confidentially.

Why Choose Our Myrtle Beach Defense Lawyer

When you are accused of indecent exposure, you want a defense attorney who has been in serious criminal courtrooms many times before. Attorney T. Kirk Truslow has practiced criminal defense for 30 years, handling numerous jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts. That depth of experience helps him evaluate your case from the beginning and anticipate how the prosecution may approach it.

Over the years, T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. has been trusted with complex and high-profile criminal matters, including lengthy federal cases and multi-day murder trials. While an indecent exposure charge is different, the skills developed in preparing and trying serious cases carry over. Careful analysis of evidence, thorough preparation, and a willingness to fight in court when appropriate are central to how the firm approaches every case.

Mr. Truslow’s interest in criminal law began long before he opened his practice. That long-standing focus is reflected in the time he spends exploring legal issues and developing defense strategies tailored to each client. Rather than steering clients into quick guilty pleas, he works to identify defenses, analyze risks, and pursue options that take into account both the legal and personal consequences you may face.

Talk With A Myrtle Beach Defense Lawyer Today

Indecent exposure charges create stress, uncertainty, and concern about your reputation. You deserve guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney who understands South Carolina law and the realities of Horry County court. T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. works to protect your record, your standing in the community, and your ability to move forward.

When you contact our firm, you can expect a confidential conversation about what happened and what matters most to you. We will explain the process in clear terms and discuss possible paths for your defense. There is no need to navigate this alone or to guess about your options.

Call (843) 212-1116 or reach out online to speak with a Myrtle Beach indecent exposure defense attorney about your charge. 24/7 availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an indecent exposure conviction put me on a sex offender registry?

Some offenses in South Carolina can lead to sex offender registration, but not every indecent exposure case does. The answer depends on the exact statute involved, the facts, and any prior record. An attorney can review your specific charge and explain what registration risks may apply in your situation.

What happens in Horry County court after my arrest?

After an arrest or citation, your case generally begins with an initial appearance or first court date set in Horry County. The type of hearing and timing depend on how the charge is filed. Your attorney can explain the process, appear with you, and guide you through each stage of the case.

I was visiting Myrtle Beach, do I need to keep coming back for court?

Out-of-state visitors are often required to appear in Horry County court, especially for criminal charges. In some situations, there may be options that reduce the number of trips, depending on the court and the case. A local defense lawyer can discuss what is likely in your situation and help plan for required appearances.

Can you keep my indecent exposure case private?

Conversations with T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. are confidential, and we treat indecent exposure cases with discretion. Court proceedings are generally public, but we work to handle sensitive information carefully and to limit unnecessary attention. During your consultation, we can discuss who is likely to see court records and what that may mean for you.

Will my case automatically go to trial in Myrtle Beach?

Most criminal cases in Horry County do not automatically go to trial. Some resolve through dismissal, plea negotiations, or other outcomes, depending on the evidence and legal issues. Attorney T. Kirk Truslow prepares cases with trial in mind but also evaluates whether alternatives may serve your interests.