Indecent Exposure Laws by State (2026)
How each state charges indecent exposure and the maximum penalties, from each state criminal code.
| State | Indecent exposure |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Indecent exposure is exposing one's genitals, to arouse or gratify sexual desire, in circumstances the person knows are likely to cause affront or alarm. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail, fine up to $6,000). It becomes a Class C felony (1 year and 1 day to 10 years) if any victim is under 12 or the person has two or more prior convictions under the sex-offense article. Indecent exposure is on Alabama's sex-offense list: on a first sex-offense conviction the person is subject only to registration and verification, and on a later conviction arising from different facts must comply with all sex-offender requirements. Ala. Code §§ 13A-6-68, 15-20A-5(9), 13A-5-6, 13A-5-7 |
| Alaska | Indecent exposure in the second degree is knowingly exposing one's genitals in the presence of another person with reckless disregard for the offensive, insulting or frightening effect. It is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days, up to $2,000), or a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year, up to $25,000) if done before a person under 16. It becomes indecent exposure in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to five years, up to $50,000), if the offender masturbates during the act or has a prior indecent exposure conviction, and a Class B felony (up to 10 years, up to $100,000) if that first-degree offense happens within the observation of a person under 16. AS 11.41.458, 11.41.460; AS 12.55.035, 12.55.125, 12.55.135 |
| Arizona | Indecent exposure is exposing one's genitals or anus (or a woman's areola or nipple) when another person is present, being reckless about whether that person would be offended or alarmed; breast-feeding is excluded. Exposure to someone 15 or older is a class 1 misdemeanor, but a class 6 felony with two or more prior indecent-exposure convictions or a prior public-sexual-indecency-to-a-minor conviction. Exposure to a child under 15 is a class 6 felony, and with two or more historical prior felony convictions of this kind it is a class 3 felony carrying 6 to 15 years. Sex-offender registration is required for a second or later exposure to a child under 15 and for a third or later indecent exposure; a judge may also order registration for any offense in this chapter. A.R.S. §§ 13-1402, 13-3821(A)(15), (A)(17), (C) |
| Arkansas | Indecent exposure is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year, up to $2,500) for a first, second or third conviction. It becomes a felony for repeat offenders or in custody: a fourth or fifth conviction within ten years of a previous conviction is a Class D felony (up to 6 years), a sixth or later conviction within ten years is a Class C felony (3 to 10 years), and indecent exposure while in the custody of a correctional or detention facility is a Class D felony (offenses on or after January 1, 2024). Sex-offender registration rules were not verified from an official source. Ark. Code § 5-14-112(b)(1)-(3); 5-4-401; 5-4-201 |
| California | Indecent exposure is willfully exposing one's genitals in the presence of someone who might be offended or annoyed, lewdly intending to direct attention to them to sexually arouse or gratify oneself or another, or to sexually offend; no one has to actually see the genitals. A first offense is a misdemeanor (generally up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine). With a prior conviction it can be punished as a felony of 16 months, 2 or 3 years. Cal. Pen. Code §§ 314, 19; CALCRIM No. 1160; Santa Clara County Superior Court 2026 Criminal Bail Schedule |
| Colorado | Indecent exposure is knowingly exposing one's genitals to someone, or masturbating in their view, in circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm (for genital exposure, with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire). It is a class 1 misdemeanor (up to 364 days). It is a class 6 felony after two prior convictions, or when the offender knew a child under 15 could see the act and the offender is over 18 and more than four years older than the child. Indecent exposure is 'unlawful sexual behavior' under the sex-offender registration law, so a conviction generally requires registration. C.R.S. §§ 18-7-302, 16-22-102(9), 16-22-103(2)(a) |
| Connecticut | Indecent exposure is charged in Connecticut as public indecency: in a public place (anywhere the conduct may reasonably be expected to be seen by others), having sexual intercourse, lewdly exposing the body with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire, or lewdly fondling another person. Public indecency is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The public indecency statute itself does not make the offense a felony. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-186, 53a-36, 53a-42 |
| Delaware | Indecent exposure in the second degree (exposing the genitals or buttocks, or for a female also the breast, knowing it is likely to cause affront or alarm) is an unclassified misdemeanor (up to 30 days and $575). Indecent exposure in the first degree, doing so to a person under 16, is a class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $2,300). A separate offense, lewdness (a lewd act in public or likely to be seen by people who would be offended), is a class B misdemeanor. These statutes do not make the offense a felony. 11 Del. C. §§ 764, 765, 1341, 4206 |
| District of Columbia | In D.C., it is unlawful to make an obscene or indecent exposure of one's genitals or anus in public, to masturbate in public, or to engage in a sexual act in public; making an obscene or indecent sexual proposal to a minor is also covered. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine (up to $500), or both. The sex-offender registration law lists this offense as a registration offense when the victim is a minor. D.C. Code §§ 22-1312, 22-4001(8)(C), 22-3571.01 |
| Florida | Florida's indecent exposure crime is called unlawful exposure of sexual organs: exposing one's sexual organs in public, or on or near another person's private property where they can be seen, in a vulgar or indecent manner, or being naked in public in a vulgar or indecent manner. A first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $1,000); a second or later violation is a third-degree felony (up to 5 years). Breastfeeding and being naked at a place set apart for that purpose are not violations. Fla. Stat. § 800.03; Fla. Stat. §§ 775.082, 775.083 |
| Georgia | Georgia calls this public indecency: performing in a public place an act of sexual intercourse, 'a lewd exposure of the sexual organs,' a lewd appearance in partial or complete nudity, or a lewd caress or indecent fondling of another person. It is punished as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000.00 and up to 12 months in jail (§ 17-10-3)). A third or later conviction for lewd exposure, lewd nudity or lewd fondling is a felony punished 'by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.' O.C.G.A. §§ 16-6-8; 17-10-3 |
| Hawaii | Indecent exposure in Hawaii is intentionally exposing one's genitals to a person one is not married to, in circumstances likely to cause affront. It is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The indecent exposure statute itself does not provide a felony grade. HRS §§ 707-734, 706-663, 706-640 |
| Idaho | Indecent exposure is willfully and lewdly exposing one's genitals (or other body parts listed in the statute) in a public place or where others are present who are offended, or helping someone else do so. A first or second offense is a misdemeanor. A third conviction within five (5) years is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in state prison. Sex-offender registration applies to indecent exposure convictions except misdemeanor convictions, so the felony form requires registration. Breastfeeding or expressing breast milk to feed a child is not covered. Idaho Code §§ 18-4116 (am. 2025), 18-8304(1)(a) |
| Illinois | Indecent exposure is called public indecency in Illinois: a person 17 or older who, in a public place (anywhere the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others), performs a sexual act or makes a lewd exposure of the body intended to arouse or satisfy sexual desire. It is a Class A misdemeanor (less than one year in jail). A third or later violation is a Class 4 felony, as is public indecency by an adult on or within 500 feet of school grounds when children are present. Breastfeeding is not public indecency. A third or subsequent public indecency conviction is a sex offense that requires sex-offender registration. 720 ILCS 5/11-30; 730 ILCS 150/2 (public indecency for a third or subsequent conviction) |
| Indiana | Indiana calls this public indecency: knowingly or intentionally, in a public place, having sex, engaging in other sexual conduct, fondling genitals, or appearing nude with intent to arouse sexual desire. It is a Class A misdemeanor, as is an adult appearing nude in public intending to be seen by a child under 16; either becomes a Level 6 felony with a prior unrelated public indecency conviction. Separate lesser offenses exist: "indecent exposure" (sexual conduct or nudity in a non-public place meant to be seen by outsiders) is a Class C misdemeanor, and public nudity ranges from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor (in parks or on school grounds), with a Level 6 felony for certain repeat offenses. Ind. Code §§ 35-45-4-1, 35-45-4-1.5 (IPAC compilation, Indiana Code 2022) |
| Iowa | Indecent exposure is exposing one's genitals or pubic area to someone other than a spouse, or committing a sex act in view of a third person, to arouse or satisfy sexual desire, when the person knows or reasonably should know the viewer finds it offensive. It is a serious misdemeanor (up to one year). Masturbating in public in the presence of another is also a serious misdemeanor, and an aggravated misdemeanor if done in the presence of a child. An indecent exposure conviction is a tier I sex offense under Iowa's sex-offender registry law. Iowa Code §§ 709.9, 692A.102(1)(a)(6) (Iowa Code 2026) |
| Kansas | Kansas calls indecent exposure "lewd and lascivious behavior": publicly having sex knowing others may be watching, or exposing a sex organ in public or to a non-consenting person who is not the offender's spouse, with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires. It is a class B nonperson misdemeanor if committed in the presence of a person 16 or older, and a severity level 9, person felony if committed in the presence of a person under 16. A conviction for lewd and lascivious behavior requires sex-offender registration when one of the parties involved is under 18. K.S.A. 21-5513; 22-4902(c)(4)(E) |
| Kentucky | Indecent exposure is intentionally exposing one's genitals when the person knows or should know it is likely to cause affront or alarm. When the person likely to be affronted is 18 or older it is second degree, a Class B misdemeanor. When it is a person under 18 it is first degree: a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for a second offense within three years, and a Class D felony for a third or later offense within three years of the prior conviction. KRS 510.148, 510.150, 17.500(8)(a) |
| Louisiana | Indecent exposure is part of the crime called obscenity in Louisiana: intentionally exposing the genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva or female nipples in a public place, in public view, or in a jail, with intent to arouse sexual desire or in a way that appeals to prurient interest or is patently offensive. A first conviction carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,500, imprisonment with or without hard labor for six months to three years, or both; a second conviction carries six months to three years plus an optional fine of $2,500 to $5,000; a third or later conviction carries two to five years. When it is done with or in the presence of an unmarried person under seventeen, the penalty is two to five years without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence, and a fine of up to $10,000. La. R.S. 14:106(A)(1), (G) |
| Maine | Indecent exposure is called indecent conduct in Maine. It is a Class E crime (up to 6 months and $1,000) to knowingly expose one's genitals in a public place under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm, to engage in a sexual act in a public place, or to expose one's genitals in a private place intending to be seen from a public place or by another person in a way likely to cause affront or alarm. It becomes a Class D crime (less than one year and up to $2,000) when the person has 2 or more prior convictions for indecent conduct or certain other sex offenses. Indecent conduct is not a felony-level (Class A-C) crime under this section. 17-A M.R.S. §§ 854(1), 1604(1), 1704 |
| Maryland | Indecent exposure is the common law crime, which by statute includes masturbating in public whether or not the genitals are exposed. It is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. Committing indecent exposure with prurient intent when the person knows or reasonably should know a minor is present (at least 2 years old and more than 4 years younger than the person) is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both. Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-107 |
| Massachusetts | Indecent exposure is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in a jail or house of correction, a fine of not more than $200, or both. The more serious crime of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior is a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison, up to two years in jail, or a fine of not more than $300. M.G.L. c. 272, §§ 53(a), 16 |
| Michigan | Knowingly making an open or indecent exposure of one's own body or another's is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. If the person was fondling his or her genitals, pubic area, buttocks or (if female) breasts while exposing, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years and $2,000. If the person is a 'sexually delinquent person,' the punishment is an indeterminate term of 1 day to life. Breastfeeding is not indecent exposure. MCL 750.335a |
| Minnesota | Willfully and lewdly exposing one's body or private parts, or engaging in open or gross lewdness, in a public place or where others are present is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days and $1,000). It is a gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days and $3,000) if done in the presence of a minor under 16, or after a prior indecent exposure or criminal sexual conduct conviction. It is a felony punishable by up to five years and $10,000 if it is a repeat exposure in front of a minor under 16 after a prior such conviction, or if the person exposes himself or herself while intentionally confining or restricting another person's movement. Breastfeeding is not indecent exposure. Minn. Stat. §§ 617.23, 609.03 |
| Mississippi | Willfully and lewdly exposing one's person or private parts in a public place, or a place where others are present, is punished for a first offense by a fine of not more than $500 and/or up to six months; a second offense within five years is a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and/or one year; a third or later offense within five years is a felony with up to $5,000 and/or up to five years in the State Penitentiary (§ 97-29-31). 'It is not a violation of this statute for a woman to breast-feed.' Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-31 |
| Missouri | Indecent exposure is charged as sexual misconduct in the first degree: exposing one's genitals when the person knows it is likely to cause affront or alarm, having sexual contact in front of others when likely to cause affront or alarm, or having sex in a public place in front of a third person. It is a class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine), or a class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $2,000) if the person has a prior finding of guilt for a chapter 566 sex offense in Missouri or a similar offense elsewhere. RSMo § 566.093; §§ 558.002, 558.011 |
| Montana | Indecent exposure is knowingly or purposely exposing one's genitals or intimate parts (including electronically), when likely to cause affront or alarm, to abuse, humiliate or harass someone or for sexual gratification. A first conviction carries a fine up to $500, up to 6 months in county jail, or both; a second up to $1,000 and 1 year in jail; and a third or subsequent conviction is a felony with up to $10,000 and 10 years in state prison. Indecent exposure to a minor (a child under 16, where the offender is more than 4 years older) carries a fine up to $50,000 and a prison term of 4 to 100 years unless the judge finds good cause for less. A separate offense covers exposure in a public place to members of the opposite biological sex, with the same escalating penalties (§ 45-5-504). The sex-offender registration law lists indecent exposure under § 45-5-504(2)(c), (3) and (4) as a 'sexual offense' (§ 46-23-502(10)). MCA §§ 45-5-504, 46-23-502(10) |
| Nebraska | Indecent exposure is called public indecency in Nebraska: a person 18 or older who, in a public place where it may reasonably be expected to be seen by the public, performs or procures sexual penetration, exposes the genitals with intent to affront or alarm any person, or lewdly fondles another person. It is a Class II misdemeanor (up to 6 months, a $1,000 fine, or both); breastfeeding a child in public is not a violation. Public indecency is not among the offenses listed in the Sex Offender Registration Act's applicability section (§ 29-4003). Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-806, 29-4003; § 28-106 |
| Nevada | Making 'any open and indecent or obscene exposure' of one's own or another's body is a gross misdemeanor for a first offense (up to 364 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine). It is a category D felony (1 to 4 years) for any subsequent offense, if the person has a prior conviction for a sexual offense, or if an adult commits it in the presence of a child under 18 or a vulnerable person; breastfeeding is not indecent exposure (NRS 201.220). Open or gross lewdness is graded the same way (NRS 201.210). Both indecent exposure and open or gross lewdness are listed as a 'sexual offense' in the sex-offender registration definitions (NRS 179D.097(1)(k)-(l)). NRS 201.220, 201.210, 179D.097; NRS 193.130, 193.140 |
| New Hampshire | Indecent exposure and lewdness (exposing one's genitals or performing gross lewdness when one should know it will likely cause affront or alarm, or sending such an image of oneself to a non-consenting person 16 or older) is a misdemeanor. It is a class B felony (up to 7 years) if done for sexual gratification knowing a child under 16 is present, if sexual acts are performed in front of a child under 16, if such an image is sent to a child under 16, or for a repeat offense; it is a class A felony (up to 15 years) after two or more prior class B felony convictions (RSA 645:1). The sex-offender registration law lists a second or subsequent indecent exposure offense within 5 years, and the felony forms in RSA 645:1, II and III where the victim is a minor, as sexual offenses (RSA 651-B:1). RSA 645:1, 651-B:1; RSA 651:2 |
| New Jersey | Indecent exposure is called lewdness in New Jersey. Doing any flagrantly lewd and offensive act that the person knows or reasonably expects is likely to be seen by nonconsenting people who would be affronted or alarmed is a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months and up to $1,000). It becomes a crime of the fourth degree (up to 18 months) to expose one's intimate parts for sexual arousal or gratification where the person knows or reasonably expects it is likely to be observed by a child under 13 (when the actor is at least four years older) or by a person who because of mental disease or defect cannot understand the sexual nature of the conduct. N.J.S. 2C:14-4; N.J.S. 2C:43-6(a); N.J.S. 2C:43-8 |
| New Mexico | Indecent exposure is knowingly and intentionally exposing one's primary genital area to public view; it is a misdemeanor (a definite term of less than one year in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, § 31-19-1(A)), and the court must also order professional counseling at the person's own expense (§ 30-9-14). Aggravated indecent exposure — exposure in a lewd and lascivious manner with intent to threaten or intimidate another person while exposing to a child under eighteen or while committing assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, criminal sexual penetration or child abuse, among other listed offenses — is a fourth degree felony (basic sentence eighteen months, fine up to $5,000, § 31-18-15), also with mandatory counseling (§ 30-9-14.3). NMSA 1978, §§ 30-9-14, 30-9-14.3; §§ 31-18-15, 31-19-1 |
| New York | Public lewdness — intentionally exposing the private or intimate parts of one's body in a lewd manner or committing another lewd act in a public place, or on private premises where it can readily be seen from a public place and the person intends to be seen, or while trespassing in a dwelling where a lawful occupant sees it — is a class B misdemeanor (up to three months and a fine up to $500). Simple 'exposure of a person' (being in a public place with intimate body areas uncovered) is a violation (up to 15 days and a fine up to $250); breastfeeding and performers in a play or show are exempt. N.Y. Penal Law §§ 245.00, 245.01, 70.15, 80.05 |
| North Carolina | Willfully exposing one's private parts in a public place in the presence of others is indecent exposure, a Class 2 misdemeanor (1-30 days for a person with no prior convictions, up to 1-60 days with five or more priors, and a fine up to $1,000); exposure for sexual gratification on another's private premises, or from a private place intending to be seen by the public, is also a Class 2 misdemeanor. It is a Class H felony when a person 18 or older willfully exposes their private parts in a public place in the presence of a minor for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. That felony ('felonious indecent exposure,' G.S. 14-190.9(a1)) is on the list of reportable offenses for sex-offender registration. Breastfeeding is expressly allowed. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-190.9, 14-208.6 |
| North Dakota | Indecent exposure — with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, masturbating in public or in front of a minor, exposing one's genitals or anus in public or to a minor, or sending such images by unsolicited electronic means (or any electronic means to a minor) — is a class A misdemeanor (up to 360 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both). It is a class C felony (up to five years, a $10,000 fine, or both) after a prior conviction for indecent exposure or surreptitious intrusion or if the person is already required to register as a sex offender, and a class C felony if done within fifty feet of or on school property (class B felony for a repeat offense there). Indecent exposure (§ 12.1-20-12.1) is listed among the offenses that make a person a 'sexual offender' under the registration statute. N.D.C.C. §§ 12.1-20-12.1, 12.1-32-15(1)(g); N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-01 |
| Ohio | Indecent exposure is called public indecency in Ohio. Recklessly exposing one's private parts where it is likely to be seen by and affront others nearby (not household members) is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days and a $250 fine) for a first offense, rising with prior convictions up to a misdemeanor of the first degree, or a felony of the fifth degree (six to twelve months, fine up to $2,500) after three or more priors if a minor was likely to see it. Knowingly exposing one's private parts to a minor nearby for sexual gratification or to lure the minor is a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine), and a fifth-degree felony with any prior public-indecency conviction; sexual conduct or masturbation in front of a minor starts as a misdemeanor of the second degree. R.C. 2907.09; R.C. 2929.14, 2929.18, 2929.24, 2929.28 |
| Oklahoma | In Oklahoma, willfully and knowingly lewdly exposing one's person or genitals in a public place, or where others are present who would be offended or annoyed, is indecent exposure, a Class B4 felony even for a first offense, punishable by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), or imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ten (10) years, or both. A conviction is not eligible for a deferred sentence. Public urination alone is prosecuted under a different section and is not subject to sex-offender registration, according to the statute. 21 O.S. § 1021(A)(1), (C) |
| Oregon | Oregon calls indecent exposure public indecency: performing sexual intercourse, oral or anal intercourse, masturbation, or exposing one's genitals with intent to arouse sexual desire, in or in view of a public place. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail), but a Class C felony (up to 5 years) if the person has a prior conviction for public indecency or certain sex crimes. Exposing one's genitals with sexual intent where another person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a home or office), knowing the person did not consent, is private indecency, a Class A misdemeanor. Public or private indecency counts as a registrable sex crime only if the person has a prior conviction for a listed sex crime. ORS 163.465, 163.467; 163A.005(5)(t); 161.605, 161.615 |
| Pennsylvania | Indecent exposure in Pennsylvania is exposing one's genitals in a public place, or where other people are present, under circumstances the person knows or should know are likely to offend, affront or alarm. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 2 years and a fine up to $5,000), or a misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 5 years and a fine up to $10,000) if the person knows or should have known that someone present is under 16. Doing any lewd act likely to be seen by people who would be affronted or alarmed is the separate crime of open lewdness, a misdemeanor of the third degree. 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3127, 5901; §§ 1101, 1104 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island charges indecent exposure as a form of disorderly conduct: intentionally, knowingly or recklessly exposing one's genitals to another person, for sexual arousal or gratification, in circumstances likely to cause affront, distress or alarm. A conviction carries up to one year in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both; any subsequent offense is punishable by up to three (3) years. The court may order counseling, and the law does not apply to breastfeeding in public. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-45-2 |
| South Carolina | In South Carolina it is unlawful to willfully, maliciously and indecently expose one's person in a public place, on another's property, or to the view of anyone on a street or highway; breastfeeding is expressly excluded. It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine in the court's discretion, up to three years in prison, or both (listed as a Class A misdemeanor). A person convicted of indecent exposure must register as a sex offender only if the court makes a specific finding on the record that, based on the circumstances, the person should register. S.C. Code §§ 16-15-130, 16-1-100(A), 23-3-430 |
| South Dakota | In South Dakota, exposing one's genitals in or in view of a public place with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, knowing it is likely to annoy, offend, or alarm others, is indecent exposure, a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to one year and/or $2,000). It becomes a Class 6 felony on a third or later conviction, or if the person has a prior felony conviction for certain sex offenses. Exposing one's anus or genitals in public without sexual intent, knowing it will likely offend, is public indecency, a Class 2 misdemeanor; sexual exposure in a private place where another person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent, is private indecent exposure, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Exposure involving a child is a separate felony. SDCL 22-24-1.1, 22-24-1.2, 22-24-1.3, 22-24-1.4, 22-6-1, 22-6-2 |
| Tennessee | Indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months and/or a $500 fine). It becomes a Class A misdemeanor (up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or a $2,500 fine) when the offender is 18 or older and the victim is a child, and a Class E felony (1 to 6 years) in that situation if the offender has two or more prior convictions for indecent exposure or public indecency or is a registered sexual offender, or if it happens on the property of a school or child care facility when children are likely to be present. Before July 1, 2024 these upgrades applied only when the victim was under 13; a 2024 law extended them to victims aged 13 to 17. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-511(b)(1)-(4); 2024 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 1023 (SB 1811 / HB 2943), effective July 1, 2024; § 40-35-111 |
| Texas | Indecent exposure (exposing the genitals or anus with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire, while reckless about whether someone present will be offended or alarmed) is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine). With one prior conviction it is a Class A misdemeanor, with two or more prior convictions it is a state jail felony, and it is a third-degree felony if the offender is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator. A second indecent-exposure violation is a reportable conviction for sex-offender registration, unless it results in deferred adjudication. Tex. Penal Code §§ 21.08(a)-(b); 12.21; 12.22; 12.35; Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 62.001(5)(F) |
| Utah | Indecent exposure is called lewdness in Utah: exposing one's genitals, buttocks, anus or pubic area (or, for a female, the breast below the top of the areola), or performing sex acts or masturbation, in a public place or where it will likely offend or alarm someone 14 or older. It is a class B misdemeanor, but a third degree felony if the offender is a sex offender, has two or more prior lewdness convictions, also commits voyeurism or certain related offenses, or is in a sex-designated changing room or privacy space for the other sex. Lewdness in front of a child under 14 is a separate offense, lewdness involving a child, a class A misdemeanor that can also become a third degree felony. Utah Code §§ 76-5-419(2)-(3); 76-5-420; 76-3-203; 76-3-204 |
| Vermont | Vermont charges indecent exposure as open and gross lewdness. Under the prohibited-conduct section, it is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $300 fine for a first offense, and up to two years and/or $1,000 for a second or later offense (both misdemeanors). The older lewd and lascivious conduct statute, covering open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, allows up to five years and/or a $300 fine, which makes it a felony. Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 16 are a separate, much more serious felony (2 to 15 years for a first offense). 13 V.S.A. §§ 2601, 2601a, 2602 |
| Virginia | Indecent exposure, intentionally making an obscene display or exposure of oneself or one's private parts in a public place or where others are present (or getting someone else to do so), is a Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. Breastfeeding in public is expressly not a violation. Va. Code §§ 18.2-387; 18.2-11(a) |
| Washington | Indecent exposure, intentionally making an open and obscene exposure of oneself or another person knowing it is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm, is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days and/or $1,000). It is a gross misdemeanor on a first offense if the exposure is to a child under 14, and a class C felony (up to 5 years) if the person has a prior indecent exposure conviction or a prior sex offense conviction. Breastfeeding or expressing breast milk is not indecent exposure. RCW 9A.88.010; 9A.20.021 |
| West Virginia | Indecent exposure is intentionally exposing one's own (or another person's) sex organs or anus knowing the conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm; breastfeeding is excluded. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to ninety days in jail, a fine of not more than $250, or both. Exposure done for sexual gratification is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500, up to twelve months in jail, or both; a second such offense brings a fine of up to $1,000 and 30 days to twelve months in jail. A third or later offense is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 and one to five years in a state correctional facility. W. Va. Code § 61-8-9 |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin charges indecent exposure as lewd and lascivious behavior: publicly and indecently exposing the genitals or pubic area, or committing an indecent act of sexual gratification with another person knowing others are present. It is a Class A misdemeanor (a fine not to exceed $10,000, imprisonment not to exceed 9 months, or both). Breastfeeding is expressly excluded. The section itself has no felony level for repeat offenses. Wis. Stat. §§ 944.20, 939.51(3)(a) |
| Wyoming | Wyoming calls indecent exposure public indecency: while in a public place where one may reasonably be expected to be seen, exposing one's intimate parts with intent to arouse sexual desire, or performing an act of sexual intrusion or sexual contact in public with that intent. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six (6) months in jail, a fine of up to $750.00, or both. Breastfeeding an infant is expressly excluded. The section has no felony level. W.S. 6-4-201 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.