Cleveland Public Indecency Attorneys 

Serving Clients in Cuyahoga County & the Surrounding Areas

Public indecency is a criminal offense in Ohio. Should you be convicted, you can face imprisonment, fines, and mandated sex offender registrations, which is why it is so important to have experienced and reliable counsel. 

Since 2009, Mastandrea Law, LLC has been providing our clients with rigorous defenses. Known for our aggressive, client-centered approach to cases, you can trust our firm with your case. When you retain our services, we can work to protect your rights and interests. 

Get in touch with our firm today to schedule an initial consultation. Call (216) 306-5105. 

Legal Definition of Public Indecency in Ohio

According to Ohio Rev. Code § 2907.09, public indecency is defined as engaging in the following activities in the presence of others (excluding those in the accused household):

• Sexual conduct or masturbation
• Any activity that resembles masturbation or sexual conduct
• Exposure of their private parts

A person can also face public indecency charges if they engage in any of the aforementioned acts in front of a minor (who is not their spouse). It is also a violation of this statute to expose your private parts to a minor with the intent to achieve personal sexual gratification or arousal or to lure a minor into sexual activities.

Is Public Indecency a Misdemeanor or Felony? 

The legal consequences of public indecency will depend on the circumstances of the offense, including:

• The age of the victim
• The location of the offense
• The number of prior convictions

The legal consequences of public indecency in Ohio are as follows:

• Fourth-degree misdemeanor. If the act of public indecency involves the reckless exposure of their private parts, the offender may be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor. A conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum fine of $250.
• Third-degree misdemeanor. If the accused is found to have engaged in conduct appearing to be or the actual acts of sexual conduct or masturbation, the charge may be elevated to a third-degree misdemeanor. A conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of 60 days and a maximum fine of $500.
• Second-degree misdemeanor. If the defendant commits public indecency in the presence of a minor, the charge may be elevated to a second-degree misdemeanor. A conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and a maximum fine of $750.
• Fifth-degree felony. If the defendant has previously been convicted of this offense, the charge may be elevated to a fifth-degree felony. A conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 12 months and a maximum fine of $2,500.

It is also important to note that in some cases, you may be required to register as a sex offender. For instance, the court may require you to register if you have multiple convictions of this offense or if there were aggravating circumstances. In addition to these penalties, a conviction for public indecency will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have a lasting impact on your life, including your ability to find employment.