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indecent exposure

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 Rhode Island, indecent exposure is addressed under Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-45-2. The law defines indecent exposure and obscene acts as intentionally exposing one's genitals, buttocks, or female breasts in a public place where the exposure is likely to be seen by others who would be affronted or alarmed. Rhode Island law does not explicitly state that the exposure must be for the purpose of sexual gratification or to offend, but the context and intent can be considered by the courts when determining if an act constitutes indecent exposure. The offense is typically considered a misdemeanor, but the penalties can vary depending on the circumstances and the presence of aggravating factors, such as prior offenses.

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Criminal charges

indecent exposure

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Criminal charges

indecent exposure

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