Misdemeanor and Felony Indecent Exposure Crimes and Penalties
Like many crimes in North Carolina, indecent exposure can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Here are the offenses that a person can be charged with committing and the penalties they face if they are convicted.
Class 2 Misdemeanor
In most cases, indecent exposure would be charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor if a person exposes their private parts in a public place. The charge would also be a Class 2 misdemeanor if an individual 18 years old or older exposed themselves willingly in a private place to a minor who was 16 years old or younger. If convicted, they could be sentenced to jail for up to 30 days, community service, probation, or a fine of up to $1,000.
Class H Felony
Indecent exposure can be charged as a Class H felony under the following circumstances:
- The offender is 18 years old or older
- The indecent exposure was performed for the purpose of arousing or gratifying a sexual desire
- The individual who was present at the time of the exposure was under 16 years old
When a person is charged with a Class H felony, the case could be aggressively prosecuted by the prosecutor because crimes against children are treated very seriously in North Carolina. If convicted, a person’s sentence could include up to 39 months in prison, four to eight months in jail, community service, and fines. In addition, they could be required to register as a sex offender on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry for life.
In some circumstances an individual can be charged with aggravated indecent exposure. If they are convicted, they may face even harsher penalties.
Were you charged with indecent exposure in Mecklenburg County? Was a family member charged with this crime? You could have strong defenses that could result in the charges being dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense—even if you are guilty.
Related Links: |