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Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is defined as the act of showing one’s sexual organs in public unannounced and unlawfully. A person that is accused of indecent exposure must knowingly and willfully show their private areas to others with the understanding that it may be offensive and/or alarming to those nearby.
Indecent exposure usually stems from the need for sexual stimulation or excitement, but it can also be a sign of rebellion against society. Whatever the reason for the crime, consulting an attorney can be very beneficial in determining the best defense to take if this type of case goes to court.
Indecent Exposure Laws
The law regarding indecent exposure differs greatly depending on the state that you live in. It may be difficult to understand the exact nature of the law regarding indecent exposure because some states will consider it a crime to be completely nude in front of someone of the opposite sex that is not a spouse. Others are not as harsh and only define indecent exposure as revealing body parts that are deemed to be private in public around a group of people.
Indecent exposure is not a serious offense in most cases. It will be charged as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. However, if a person exposes himself or herself in front of a child, they will be subject to harsher penalties than those accused of the simple misdemeanor form of indecent exposure.
While this charge may not be as serious in nature as other crimes, it is still possible that it will have a profound impact on the life of someone convicted of it. The reason is that the social awareness and stigma surrounding indecent exposure is strong, and it can impede success in the workplace and in other areas of life.
Federal lawmakers are also making a few considerations about indecent exposure. In the future, those convicted of this crime may have to register as a sex offender.
Penalties for Indecent Exposure
The penalties for this type of crime will vary based on a number of different factors, one being your location. Some people that are convicted of indecent exposure are subject to jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties.
Usually, the fines will be anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the severity of the incident, and imprisonment can last from 6 months to a year. Some states are a little bit harsh and will put a person in jail for not more than 10 years for indecent exposure.
Defending an Indecent Exposure Charge in Court
To find out more about your specific case and the laws on indecent exposure in your state and your specific area, it is important to contact a licensed attorney to assist you. They will provide legal counsel, advice, and resources to help you understand how the trial will go if you are not able to come to a settlement outside of court. An attorney will also provide you with first hand knowledge of the legal system and how they typically handle cases of this nature.