Maine Indecent Exposure Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
The crime of indecent exposure is generally committed when someone intentionally exposes their genitals to someone else under circumstances where the act is likely to cause offense. However, each state's indecent exposure law defines the crime slightly differently. In Maine, indecent exposure is referred to as "indecent conduct" and criminalizes the act of exposing your genitals, in public and in private, under the circumstances outlined in the table below.
Code Section |
Maine Revised Statute 17-A section 854: Indecent Conduct |
What's Prohibited? |
Engaging in any of the following acts in a public place:
Engaging in any of the following acts in a private place:
|
What Constitutes a "Sexual Act?"
|
A sexual act means:
|
Motor Vehicles |
For the purposes of this law a "public place" includes, but isn't limited to, a motor vehicle that is on a public way. |
Penalties |
Indecent conduct is a Class E crime that is punishable by up to six months in jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the offender has two or more prior convictions for indecent conduct (or a related offense), then the offense is a Class D crime and is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, and/or a fine of up to $2,000. |
Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding, whether done in public or in private doesn't qualify as indecent exposure in Maine. In fact, Maine has a law that specifically protects a mother's right to breastfeed. This law states that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother many breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is authorized to be.
Additional Resources
State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding Maine's indecent exposure law contact a local criminal defense attorney.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.