Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Palo Alto Mall (CA Penal Code 314)

Last Modified: October 13, 2020
April 15, 2015 | Rabin Nabizadeh | Indecent Exposure, Sex Crimes

A 36-year-old man has recently been arrested on charges of misdemeanor indecent exposure after he allegedly exposed himself to several persons in the Stanford Shopping Center in Menlo Park.  Witnesses claim that the man exposed his intimate areas at least 3 times within the space of one hour’s time.  The incident was reported both by the alleged victims and by other mall-goers.

California Penal Code 314 makes it illegal for anyone to purposefully expose their genital areas in order to either a) offend another person or b) for the purposes of sexual gratification.  Interestingly, this law has been in existence in the state since 1872 and it covers a vast array of behavior, some of which might no longer be considered ‘indecent.’  However, it is still considered a more serious crime than most people think; there are certainly harsh penalties awaiting anyone who participates in indecently exposing themselves in California.

Consequently, conviction on a indecent exposure charge (almost always considered a misdemeanor) opens you up to a $1,000 fine and the possibility of 6 months in county jail.  Although this may not seem a harsh punishment, it is important to note that any conviction involving indecent exposure also forces you to register as a sex offender, for life.  This is perhaps the worst part of even a misdemeanor indecent exposure conviction, the shame and embarrassment that often come with having to continually register as a sex offender, especially when your behavior was not intended for the purposes of offending another person, nor for the purpose of express sexual gratification.

 

 

latest news

February 27, 2024
What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for a DUI in San Jose
Being arrested for a DUI in San Jose, CA, can have severe penalties, potentially resulting in jail time, losing your driver's license, and other serious consequences. Here's what to do if facing a DUI conviction after being accused of driving over the legal limit and how a California DUI lawyer can help you resolve your case with [...]
February 25, 2024
What Happens When You Get a DUI?
Getting a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be a stressful and life-changing event. It starts the moment a law enforcement officer suspects you've been drinking and driving. This can lead to being pulled over, undergoing a field sobriety test, and possibly being arrested. The consequences of a DUI arrest include legal action, potential jail [...]
February 6, 2024
What Can I Expect After Being Arrested for a DUI in San Jose?

Getting arrested for a DUI in San Jose can be a stressful and confusing experience. You might have many questions about what happens next and what you should do. Knowing the process and what to expect can help you navigate this challenging situation. It’s important to remember that a DUI arrest is severe, and the […]