Indecent Exposure / Public Indecency

Indecent exposure may be described as causing offense or alarm by the purposeful exposing of one's genitalia or breasts in public. Exposing oneself on private property, such as another person's home, may also be considered a criminal act, though this may vary depending on the circumstances. This is against the law and harshly penalized in most states. Indecent exposure may be committed with the intention of personal arousal, arousal in others or to alarm. Indecent exposure is deemed a sex crime and thus sex offender registration may be included in the sentence of an individual convicted of this offense. Particular laws and penalties will vary state to state, however, so it is important to consult a lawyer about the matter.

Every jurisdiction is different, but in general indecent exposure does not include breastfeeding in public. Additionally, indecent exposure laws do not apply in places where nudity is accepted, such as at nude beaches or places reserved for adult entertainment. Accidental exposure also does not constitute a criminal offense. Exposure would need to be intentional and in violation of the laws in that particular jurisdiction.

Consequences of an Indecent Exposure Conviction

Although indecent exposure is considered to be one of the less serious sex crimes a person may commit, one may still face sex offender registration. This requirement alone may have a serious, negative impact on the defendant's ability to find work. It may affect education, housing and financial opportunities as well. The specific severity of penalties for indecent exposure will vary depending on the jurisdiction, the defendant's criminal history (if any) and even the age of the person or persons who witnessed the exposure. Exposing oneself to a child, for example, may result in enhanced penalties. The nature of the exposure itself may also be relevant, such as in a case where the defendant is accused of engaging in a sexual act of some kind in public, as opposed to simple exposure.

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