{"id":376845,"date":"2016-04-11T01:24:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/vermont-law\/vermont-indecent-exposure-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-08-09T09:58:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-09T14:58:24","slug":"vermont-indecent-exposure-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/vermont-law\/vermont-indecent-exposure-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Vermont Indecent Exposure Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Vermont Indecent Exposure Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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

Unlike most states, Vermont does not have a law against public nudity. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t local ordinances banning indecent exposure. There are also state laws that make it illegal to engage in lewd and lascivious conduct while in a public place.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll explain how Vermont law treats this sort of behavior. We will also describe the possible penalties if law enforcement catches you misbehaving while in your birthday suit.<\/p>\r\n

Lewd and Lascivious Conduct and Vermont Indecent Exposure Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While the State of Vermont doesn’t punish people who engage in public nudity, it does prohibit lascivious behavior. Vermont law defines lewd and lascivious conduct as acting with the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or offending another while nude or partially nude.<\/p>\r\n

If the Burlington police or other law enforcement members catch you engaging in public indecency, you’ll face severe consequences. In some cases, the penalties are minor. But the prosecutor may ask for an enhanced penalty in some situations. For example, if you do this in front of someone under 17<\/a>, the state will ask the judge to increase your fines or jail sentence.<\/p>\r\n

It’s worth noting that it isn’t illegal for someone under 18 years old to engage in public indecency with someone over 15. The behavior is legal as long as both parties consent.<\/p>\r\n

What Types of Behavior Are Illegal Under Vermont’s Criminal Code?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Vermont’s laws about public indecency are more lenient than other states. But that doesn’t mean you can parade around town naked. Depending on where you live, local ordinances may prohibit certain public acts.<\/p>\r\n

Some of the behaviors that may be illegal in Vermont include:<\/p>\r\n