Indecent Exposure Lawyer in St. Louis

What Is Indecent Exposure in Missouri?

Indecent exposure is typically considered revealing your genitals in public and/or in a way that is likely to offend others. In Missouri, there is no specific indecent exposure. Instead, laws against showing one's genitals are part of the state's sexual misconduct laws:

• First Degree Sexual Misconduct: Missouri Revised Statute §566.093 states that it is a crime for someone to expose their genitals in a situation where they knew it would cause offense or alarm. A first offense is a class B misdemeanor.
• Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child: Under Missouri Revised Statute §566.083, a person is committing sexual misconduct involving a child if they:
  • Knowingly show their private parts to a child under 15 knowing it will likely shock or upset the child
  • Show their private parts to a child under 15 with the intent to cause sexual arousal or pleasure (either for themselves, the child, or someone else)

  The law covers both in-person actions and anything done online. For a first time offense it is a class E felony, but previous convictions of other sex crimes make it a class E felony.

Missouri law defines indecent exposure in terms of intent—meaning the exposure must be intentional and aimed at shocking or offending others. Indecent exposure charges can arise in a variety of situations, such as public places like parks, streets, or even in private spaces where the act is visible to the public. It’s important to understand that a conviction not only brings fines or possible jail time but can also result in mandatory registration as a sex offender in certain cases, which has long-term impacts on your reputation and future opportunities.

By consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can understand the charges you're facing and explore all legal options for building a defense.