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 South Carolina, indecent exposure is governed by state statute under the South Carolina Code of Laws. Specifically, Section 16-15-130 of the South Carolina Code states that it is unlawful for a person to willfully, maliciously, and indecently expose their person in a public place, on the private premises of another, or so near thereto as to be seen from such private premises, in a situation where the public or any person might be offended or annoyed. The law covers the exposure of genitals, buttocks, and female breasts. The intent of the person committing the act is relevant to the offense, and the exposure must be done in a willful and indecent manner. Violation of this law is considered a misdemeanor in South Carolina, and upon conviction, individuals may face penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important to note that the specific circumstances and context of the exposure can affect the legal outcome, and defenses may be available depending on the situation.