Colorado Indecent Exposure Laws

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-7-301 (public indecency)

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-7-302 (indecent exposure)

Public Indecency: When a person, in a public place in view of others, does any of the following:

• Has sex
• Exposes one's intimate parts except for genitals (i.e. the anus, perineum, pubes, or breasts) in a lewd manner, if done to arouse a sexual desire in anyone
• Fondles or caresses another's body in a lewd manner
• Knowingly exposes one's genitals to another person in a way likely to alarm or offend the person

Indecent Exposure: When a person does any of the following:

• Knowingly exposes one's genitals in view of another in a way likely to cause alarm or offend with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desires of anyone
• Knowingly masturbates (real or simulated touching or rubbing one's genitals or pubic area for sexual gratification whether covered or exposed) in view of others in a manner likely to alarm or offend them

Public Indecency: This is generally a Class 1 Petty Offense punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and up to $500 in fines. This becomes a Class 1 Misdemeanor if committed with a prior knowing genital exposure-related conviction punishable by up 18 months imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines.

Indecent Exposure: This is a Class 1 Misdemeanor punishable by up 18 months imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines. However, with two prior convictions it's upgraded to a Class 6 Felony punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment with a mandatory one year parole and up to $100,000 in fines.

Sex Offender Registry: If convicted of public indecency (sometimes) and indecent exposure, you will be required to register as a sex offender. Persons convicted of misdemeanor sex offenses aren't posted on the publicly visible registry, but registration can seriously affect where you can work or live.

Technically, exposing one's breasts to feed a baby could be a violation of public indecency. However, Colorado has a state law that specifically permits moms to breastfeed in any private or public place (one that she has a right to be at – so no trespassing).