A man was recently charged with Indecent Exposure in the twin cities metro area. The man is accused of unzipping his pants on a public street and exposing his genitalia to a woman after leaving a bar. The man and woman met at a bar, following their time at the bar, the man said he would walk the woman to her car. As the man was walking her to her car, the man allegedly unzipped his pants and exposed himself and then attempted to kiss the woman. The woman fled to her car. Following the incident, the woman called a friend and then contacted police. The police investigated the allegations and referred the case to the city attorney who subsequently filed a charge of Indecent Exposure against the man.
The crime of Indecent Exposure can be charged as a Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor, or Felony in Minnesota. A person can be charged with Indecent Exposure if in a public place, or anywhere other people are gathered, the person willful or lewdly exposes their body or their private parts, or has another person do the same, or conducts any other public indecency. The penalty in Minnesota for a Misdemeanor is up to 90 days in jail and or a fine of up to $1,000. A second conviction for Indecent Exposure can be a Gross Misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and or a fine of up to $3,000. A third or additional convictions for Indecent Exposure can be a Felony and carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and or a fine of up to $10,000.
The scope of the Indecent Exposure law in Minnesota covers a wide range of conduct. Therefore, the next time you think it is a good idea to expose yourself in public, or in a gathering of other people, you should think twice and remember that the penalties associated with a conviction for Indecent Exposure are serious.
What does this mean for me?
If you are facing or think you may be charged with Indecent Exposure, it is important to contact an experienced St. Paul Criminal Defense attorney for a free consultation.