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 Missouri, indecent exposure is addressed under Section 566.093 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. A person commits the offense of indecent exposure if they expose their genitals or buttocks under circumstances in which they know that such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm. The law also covers the exposure of female breasts in certain situations. The intent behind the exposure is a key element of the crime; the person must act with the purpose of arousing sexual desire in any person, including themselves, or affronting others. Indecent exposure in Missouri is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if the offender has previously been convicted of the same offense. It's important to note that local ordinances may also have regulations regarding indecent exposure, and these can vary between jurisdictions within the state.