A person commits the crime of indecent exposure by exposing the person’s body or private parts (usually genitals, anus, buttocks, or female breasts) in a public place and in the presence of another person who might be offended, alarmed, or annoyed. Laws vary from state to state—including definitions of exposed body parts—and some states require the exposure to have been made with the intent to attract attention or to sexually gratify the person making the indecent exposure, or to sexually gratify another person, or to offend another person.

Indecent exposure laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Kentucky, indecent exposure is addressed under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 510.148 and 510.150. Indecent exposure in the first degree (KRS 510.148) occurs when a person intentionally exposes their genitals to a minor under the age of 16 when they are likely to cause alarm or offense. Indecent exposure in the second degree (KRS 510.150) involves a person intentionally exposing their genitals under circumstances that they know their conduct is likely to cause alarm or offense to others. The laws in Kentucky do not specifically mention exposure of female breasts as indecent exposure. The intent to attract attention, sexually gratify oneself or another, or to offend is a key component of the crime. Penalties for indecent exposure can vary, with more severe penalties typically imposed for exposure to minors or repeat offenses.