Indecent Exposure – California Penal Code Section 314

Under California Penal Code Section 314, indecent exposure is the willful act of exposing your private parts for the purpose of shocking or disturbing the unsuspecting public and is a punishable offense.

To be convicted of this crime, the prosecution must show that an individual willfully exposed their naked body; that they were in a place where other people are present and would likely be offended or annoyed; and that they exposed themselves with the specific intent to direct public attention to their genitals for sexual arousal or gratification. The accused can be convicted even if they exposed themselves in a private dwelling or building as long as the prosecution can show that they willfully exposed themselves after entering the building or dwelling without anyone’s consent.

If an individual is charged with indecent exposure, they have a number of viable defenses that an attorney can raise on their behalf. Such defenses include asserting that the exposure was unintentional and therefore not done with lewd intent, or that the accused was mistakenly identified by the accuser as the culprit who unlawfully exposed himself/herself.

A misdemeanor conviction for indecent exposure can bring with it a jail sentence for a period of up to six months in county jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, and a lifetime obligation to register as a sex offender pursuant to California Penal Code Section 290. A more serious indecent exposure felony conviction may result in imprisonment for a period of three years in state prison, a maximum fine of up to $10,000, as well as the lifetime obligation to register as a sex offender.

If you find yourself facing indecent exposure charges, it is very important that you seek the assistance of an indecent exposure lawyer who can protect you from unnecessarily suffering the severe and debilitating penalties of the offense. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in helping our clients defend against indecent exposure allegations. We will carefully review the facts of the case and devise the best possible defense strategy in light of current indecent exposure laws. Call us today at 888-749-0034. We will be there when you call.