"Best group of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area. I can't say enough about them and the lengths that this firm will go to ensure presumption of innocence and actually fight for their clients."
Client Review (Google)
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.
