{"id":372199,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/criminal-laws\/indecent-exposure.html"},"modified":"2026-04-06T11:27:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T16:27:36","slug":"indecent-exposure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/indecent-exposure.html","title":{"rendered":"State Indecent Exposure Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n State Indecent Exposure Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Indecent exposure<\/span> typically involves a person making an obscene display of their private parts<\/span> in a public place<\/span>. Every state defines the crime of <\/span>indecent exposure<\/span><\/a> a bit differently. In all states, it\u2019s against the law to engage in lewd<\/span> acts<\/span> in public or in the presence of another person<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article gives an overview of this sex offense<\/span><\/a>, including the penalties and possible defenses. We will also provide you with links to helpful FindLaw articles and state indecent exposure<\/span> statutes.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing charges for indecent exposure<\/span>, gross <\/span>lewdness<\/span>, or other sex offenses<\/span>, contact an experienced <\/span>criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ll review your case and answer any questions you have about indecent exposure<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is Indecent Exposure<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Indecent exposure<\/span> involves a person intentionally exposing<\/span> their private parts<\/span> in a public place<\/span>. Some states, such as California<\/span><\/a>, require that the defendant engage in this behavior for sexual arousal<\/span>, sexual desire<\/span>, or sexual gratification<\/span>. For the most part, if a person exposes<\/span> themselves and it causes alarm or affront<\/span> to a third party, they will be guilty of indecent exposure<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Depending on the jurisdiction, the crime of <\/span>indecent exposure<\/span> includes the following:<\/p>\n