Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure is considered the illegal act of intentionally exposing or exhibiting one’s sexual organs in a public place, causing others to feel alarmed or offended. It is also illegal to appear naked in public, except in those places designated for that purpose, such as a nude beach. If the offender makes physical contact with the victim, the crime escalates into sexual assault charges.

In general, indecent exposure includes the following unlawful acts:

• Intentionally exposing one’s genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner
• Masturbation
• Sex acts in public (consensual or non-consensual)
• Intentionally committing a sexual act that does not involve actual physical contact with the victim, such as stimulating a sex act, sexual bestiality, sadomasochistic abuse, etc.
• Intentionally exposing oneself on an Internet service, webcam, or bulletin board service with the knowledge that it’s viewed by people under the age of 16.
• ***Breast feeding in public is never considered indecent exposure under any circumstances.

Indecent exposure is generally considered a misdemeanor offense. However, exposing oneself in front of a person under the age of 16 will usually warrant felony charges.

Although indecent exposure is a lower level sex offense, it is still a sex crime and should not be taken lightly. Individuals accused of sex crimes will be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law. If you have been convicted of indecent exposure in Tampa, you may face a variety of legal penalties, including prison, probation, fines, community service, counseling, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Furthermore, people accused of sex crimes, such as indecent exposure, are usually ostracized by their community, lose their jobs, damage their reputations, and severely limit future opportunities.

Contact our Tampa Sex Crimes Attorneys

If you have been charged with indecent exposure, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately. At Thomas & Paulk, we have successfully defended many clients charged with indecent exposure throughout the Tampa Bay area. We are well-versed in Florida sex crimes law, and know the best way to fight charges of indecent exposure. When we commit to a case, we conduct our own investigation, question witnesses, challenge evidence, review testimony, and aggressively negotiate with prosecutors. Furthermore, we work relentlessly to protect our clients’ rights, clear their name of criminal charges, and ensure they receive the legal justice they deserve. 

If you are in need of a dedicated and compassionate Tampa sex crimes attorney, contact Thomas & Paulk today for your free consultation at (800) 239-3195!

Contact us about your sex crimes case today!