A Clearwater Defense Attorney Fighting Indecent Exposure Charges
Last updated on March 20, 2025
Allegations of indecent exposure are serious. If you have been charged with indecent exposure in the state of Florida, an experienced criminal defense trial attorney can help you explore all your possible defenses. My name is Jenna Finkelstein, and I have dedicated my legal career to providing criminal defense strategies to those accused of crimes in Clearwater and throughout the Tampa Bay area.
At the Finkelstein Firm, P.A., I treat all my clients with the respect and compassion they deserve. I am ready to aggressively defend you against the allegations that you are facing and provide you with a strategic defense.
What Is Indecent Exposure?
Indecent exposure is a first-degree misdemeanor in the state of Florida. In order to convict an individual of indecent exposure, the state must prove that the exposure is not mere nudity, such as breastfeeding in public. The state must prove that the exposure was done in a vulgar or indecent manner.
Florida Indecent Exposure Laws
Under Florida Statute 800.03, indecent exposure is committed when a person exposes one’s sexual organs in one or more of the following ways:
- In public
- On the private premises of another
- Near enough to one’s private premises to be seen
- In a vulgar or indecent manner
- In public: Being naked, exempting any place designated for that purpose
Indecent exposure is a first-degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail along with a fine. A conviction for indecent exposure in Florida does not typically require you to register as a sex offender. However, if the victim of the indecent exposure was a minor or there were other aggravating factors involved, a judge could still order you to register as a sex offender.
What Are Common Examples Of Indecent Exposure Crimes In Florida?
Indecent exposure involves intentionally exposing your genitals in a public place or anywhere they can be seen by others in a way that is likely to offend or shock. What is considered “indecent” can depend on the specific circumstances and community standards. If the exposure is visible to neighbors or passersby, exposure can be considered indecent even if you are on your own property. Examples of indecent exposure crimes in Florida can include:
- Skinny dipping in a pool that is visible to neighbors
- Streaking in a public area
- Urinating in public
- Changing clothes in a car with the door open
- Walking around your home naked with the blinds open
In Florida, the statute of limitations for indecent exposure is two years. This means that the state must file charges against you within two years of the date the alleged crime occurred.
Strategies Defending An Indecent Exposure Charge
Being accused of a sex crime like indecent exposure does not necessarily mean that you are guilty of that crime. There are defenses to indecent exposure, including the following:
- You did not intend to commit the offense.
- The exposure was not meant to be viewed by the public and was committed on your private property.
- The exposure was not vulgar or lewd.
- The exposure was in a place designated for the purpose of changing, such as a public bathroom.
My goal as your criminal defense lawyer is to explore all the defense strategies that are appropriate for your case. This includes proving your innocence if you did not commit the crime.
There are many factual and legal issues that must be investigated and evaluated. Because of the complexities and penalties associated with an indecent exposure charge, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer right away.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Indecent Exposure Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been accused of indecent exposure in Pinellas County or the surrounding areas, it is very important that you contact an experienced sex crimes attorney immediately. I work with a team of investigators and experts, and I am highly experienced in defending sex crimes.
I offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. To schedule your free appointment and learn about your legal options, you can call me at 727-202-4418 or send me a message. I look forward to telling you more about how I can help you with your case.