Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 26, 2018
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In Ohio, indecent exposure is also known as "public indecency." Conviction for indecent exposure will result in a criminal record and possibly registration as a sex offender.
A person can commit this misdemeanor crime in three basic ways:
In order to be guilty of indecent exposure, Ohio law requires the person to be doing these acts recklessly, under circumstances in which the person's conduct is likely to be viewed by and affront others who are in the person's physical proximity and who are not members of the person's household.
Indecent exposure can be charged as a felony in some situations. Anyone caught exposing their genitals or engaging in sexual conduct in front of a minor will face even harsher penalties. Public Indecency charges are also escalated to higher level crimes if the person acts "knowingly" or if the person has prior convictions for public indecency.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio's indecent exposure laws. See Sexual Assault, Sex Crimes, and Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses for more information.
| Code Section | Public Indecency: Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.09 |
| What is Prohibited | Public Indecency: Recklessly exposing your "private parts" in front of another person or engaging in masturbation or other sexual conduct in a place likely to be seen by other people. Aggravated Indecent Exposure : Knowingly doing the same thing, but in front of a child or if the person has prior convictions for Public Indecency |
| Penalties | 4th degree misdemeanor to a 5th degree felony depending on the facts and possible lifetime sex offender registration |
| Definition of a Minor | Anyone under age 18 |
| Definition of "Private Parts" | Men or women's genitalia, excluding a woman's breasts. (Law may change in the future). |
In addition to a state wide pan on public indecency, there are also local ordinances that citizens must abide by. Check your local city, township, or campus rules for more information.
Because Ohio indecency laws can sometimes get complicated, it is a good idea to consult an experienced sex crimes attorney if you have questions about your specific situation. An experienced Ohio defense attorney will work to protect your rights and help guide you through the legal process, while aggressively defending your case from start to finish.
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