{"id":388295,"date":"2026-01-15T10:14:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T15:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=388295"},"modified":"2026-01-15T09:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T14:59:09","slug":"louisiana-indecent-exposure-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-indecent-exposure-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana Indecent Exposure Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana Indecent Exposure Law<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, 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

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Louisiana<\/span> indecent exposure<\/span> laws are governed by the state’s obscenity<\/span> statute. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the defendant acted with the specific intent to arouse sexual desire<\/span> or appeal to prurient interests. This offense is often categorized as a misdemeanor<\/span>, but it can escalate to a felony involving fines, prison time, and mandatory sex offender<\/span> registration.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Every state has laws against indecent exposure<\/span>. Some have separate statutes addressing this offense, while others categorize it under other offenses. In Louisiana<\/span>, there is no distinct statute regarding indecent exposure<\/span><\/a>. Instead, lawmakers include it under the state’s obscenity<\/span> statute.<\/p>\n

In general, Louisiana<\/span> law<\/span> defines indecent exposure<\/span> as intentionally exposing one’s private parts<\/span> in a public place<\/span> for sexual arousal or gratification. The obscenity<\/span> statute delineates the specific body parts that qualify as private parts<\/span>, which are explained in greater detail below. Depending on the nature of the offense, the penalties for this crime in Louisiana<\/span> may include prison time, fines, and possible registration as a sex offender<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains Louisiana<\/span>‘s indecent exposure<\/span> laws, including the penalties and defenses to this crime. If you’re facing indecent exposure<\/span> charges, consider contacting a Louisiana<\/span> criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/a> for help with your case.<\/p>\n

How Does Louisiana<\/span> Law<\/span> Define Indecent Exposure<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

For the prosecutor to convict someone of indecent exposure<\/span><\/a>, they must demonstrate each element of the crime. It’s not enough that someone exposed a body part in public. They must expose a particular body part with the intention of arousing or offending another party.<\/p>\n

According to the Louisiana<\/span> Revised Statutes<\/span><\/a>, a person commits indecent exposure<\/span> in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n