Indecent exposure is one of the rarer sexual offenses but when alleged offenses occur they often make news headlines.
In Fairfax County police say they have received “multiple reports” over the last few weeks of a man who has been exposing himself in the Landmark Plaza area, reported WTOP.
The latest incident is said to have taken place at a bus stop near Little River Turnpike and Oasis Drive around 7 a.m. on July 9, 2013.
The report said Mason Police District officers arrived on the scene following a report of a man groping himself as he stared at women waiting at the bus stop.
“The same man was reportedly seen doing the same thing in the area on July 5 and, police believe, on several other occasions in recent weeks,” reported WTOP. On each alleged occasion the man was reported to be wearing pajama pants and a dark shirt.
WHAT IS INDECENT EXPOSURE IN VIRGINIA?
Exposing private parts in a public space or place where other people are present is considered to be indecent exposure in Virginia. While breastfeeding is excluded from the offense, sexual acts between two consenting adults and masturbation can be classified as indecent exposure.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE?
Intentionally exposing your private parts can count as a misdemeanor offense carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Intentional exposure of private parts to a child under 15 carries more serious consequences. It’s considered a felony and can lead to up to 10 years in jail as well as a heavy fine.
The severity of the sentence will depend on the circumstances.
If you are convicted of indecent exposure you will also end up on Virginia’s Sex Offender’s Registry.
THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE LAW
The law on indecency has changed with the times. People can show more flesh today than they could years ago. Today’s skimpy bikinis would have been considered indecent exposure a century ago.
WHAT MUST BE PROVED
If you are on the beach changing and your towel slips, you should not be charged with indecent exposure because the exposure is unintentional. To stand trial, the Commonwealth must prove your actions were carried out purposefully and obscenely and lacked regard to other people.
HOW A LAWYER CAN HELP
You shouldn’t take a charge like this lightly. As well as the prospect of a fine or jail time, an indecent exposure conviction will lead to your name entering the Sex Offender Registry and will show up in background checks if you apply for a job.
A Virginia criminal defense attorney can identify mitigating factor and find defenses you may not be aware of to help you clear you name.
