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Indecent exposure charges in Rhode Island
This offense penalizes the indecent exposure of one’s genitals to another for the purposes of sexual arousal, gratification, or stimulation. A first violation of this law is a misdemeanor.
However, a second or any subsequent offense is a felony. Under Rhode Island Criminal Law, Indecent Exposure can be found at Rhode Island General Laws, Section 11-45-2.
What are the legal elements for indecent exposure
In order to be convicted of Indecent Exposure, there must exists strong evidence of the following three legal elements:
- that the accused knowingly exposed his or her genitals to another
- for the purposes of sexual arousal, gratification, or stimulation
- the exposure was likely to cause distress or alarm to that person.
Potential punishment if convicted of indecent exposure in Rhode Island
Under Rhode Island law, a first conviction for Indecent Exposure is a misdemeanor and the defendant shall be sentenced to a term in prison of not more than 1 year. This penalty may be found at Rhode Island General Laws, Section 11-45-2.
Any subsequent conviction for Indecent Exposure is considered a felony and may subject a defendant to a term of prison of not more than 3 years. Additionally, a convicted offender may also be ordered to attend professional counseling.
First offense
The first offense is a misdemeanor and has a penalty of imprisonment for up to one (1) year, or a fine up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
Subsequent offenses
Any subsequent offense would be a felony and can be punished by imprisonment for a term of up to three (3) years.
When a person is convicted of indecent exposure they may face sexual offender registration consequences.
Rhode Island indecent exposure laws
- Rhode Island General Laws § 11-45-2. Indecent exposure – Disorderly conduct- (c) Any person found guilty of, or who pleads nolo contendere to the crime of indecent exposure/disorderly conduct, shall be imprisoned for a term of not more than one year, or fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. Any subsequent offense shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of up to three (3) years.
If you have been charged with indecent exposure and need an experienced Rhode Island Sex Crimes Defense Attorney with a track record of success in Criminal Defense call (401) 351-5100 to schedule your free consultation.
