Indecent Exposure
Indecent Exposure
While in public spaces there can be many different social rules that people have to abide by, there are also laws in place regarding the ways in which you can behave. One of the prohibited actions is indecent exposure. Defined as the exposure of one’s genitals, California law has in place further definitions of the crime. Indecent exposure is not a juvenile or harmless act – it will result in severe punishments and lifelong ramifications for those found guilty.
Further Specifics on Indecent Exposure
The legal definition of the crime is broad, so as to capture the various ways the exposure could happen. The prosecution can prove that indecent exposure occurred if the defendant intentionally exposed their genitals while under public attention for the purpose of either sexual gratification or causing offense towards another person. Indecent exposure can occur even if the specific recipient of the exposure consented to the act, but there were other people in the public space who had to also see it. As long as the exposure is in a public space, someone can see it, and it was motivated by sexual gratification (in this example), then the defendant could be found guilty of the offense.
Punishment for the Crime
Indecent exposure is considered a sex crime in the state of California. Given its classification, a possible conviction can have massive consequences. Regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, the convicted individual must register as a sex offender. For misdemeanor cases, the individual can face a few months in jail. If the person commits indecent exposure subsequent times, they can face a felony, which results in a state prison sentence. For those who have questions about the crime or require legal representation/counsel, reach out to one of our experienced criminal attorneys.
