SEX CRIMES

The term “indecent exposure” is defined under TITLE XLVI, Chapter 800 of the 2011 Florida Statutes as the exposure of sexual organs in public or in the private premises of another person. Individuals may also be charged with indecent exposure if they are in close enough proximity to be seen from private premises. In order for a criminal charge to result, the exposure must be vulgar and include public nudity in a place that was not specifically set aside for nudity.

You may be charged with indecent exposure even if your indecency was not intentional. You will face possible penalties such as a hefty $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, and a mandatory registration as a sex offender. Charges for indecent exposure become significantly more serious when a person under the age of 16 is exposed to indecency. Offenders who are over the age of 18 may also be charged with committed lewd exhibition, which is considered a second degree felony in the state of Florida. The penalties for this charge include fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison as well.

“Unnatural and lascivious acts” as defined by § 800.02 of the Florida criminal code states that anyone who commits this act will be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor. But what is this offense? Florida defines it as performing sexual acts when they are publicly in view. What this can mean is having intercourse, masturbating or sexually touching another individual in a public place. It can also take place in a car or even in a home. It is not unheard of for this charge to fall on those who performed these acts in their home, but were in public view (a window was open). It is also considered unlawful to expose sexual organs while an employee is present. This will be a third degree felony, according to § 800.09. Committing a lewd act in front of an individual less than 16 years old is also a felony offense.