Indecent Exposure – California Penal Code 314 PC

What is indecent exposure in California?

In order to convict you of indecent exposure in California, the prosecution must prove several elements

Charged with indecent exposure in California for exposing yourself with lewd intent to direct public attention to your genitals?

1. You willfully exposed your genitals in the presence of another person(s) who might be offended or annoyed by your actions  AND
2. When you exposed yourself, you acted lewdly by intending to direct public attention to your genitals for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying yourself or another person, or sexually offending another person

1. The willful and lewd exposure occurred after you had entered an inhabited dwelling/building/trailer coach without consent

Defenses to an indecent exposure charge under California PC 314

• You did not expose your genitals
• The exposure did not occur in the presence of another
• The exposure was not willful or lewd
• Lack of intent
• Mistaken identity

California Indecent Exposure Sentencing and Punishment

If you are worried about the sentencing and punishment for an indecent exposure conviction in California.

Examples of Indecent Exposure Under California PC 314

1. Jacob spends his lunch break in his car and typically naps or spends time on his smartphone catching up on the news.  One day while seated in his car, he sees a woman he finds attractive walking by in a short skirt.  Jacob masturbates in his car as she approaches.  The woman sees what he is doing and calls the police.  The prosecution could charge Jacob with indecent exposure because he willfully exposed his genitals in a public place and the woman was offended by his actions.
2. Joseph likes to make inappropriate sexually suggestive jokes around his office mates and considers himself the king of pranks.  One day he decides to play a prank on his fellow employees where he would be completely naked except for a baseball hat in the spirit of casual Friday.  Unbeknownst to him, Ruth, a new employee, enters the office and comes across Joseph as he stands naked and she is offended and calls the police.  The prosecution could charge Joseph with indecent exposure because he willfully exposed his genitals in a public place and Ruth was offended by his actions.
3. Adam is an exhibitionist who enjoys approaching unsuspecting women leaving a yoga studio and exposes his genitals to them and runs away after hearing them scream.  One day his actions are caught on camera and police find and arrest him.  The prosecution could charge Adam with indecent exposure because he willfully exposed his genitals in a public place for the purpose of offending the women with his nudity.

California indecent exposure laws FAQs

Where can I find the most experienced California criminal defense attorneys?

Contact and experienced indecent exposure defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich today