Indecent Exposure Attorney in Boston

Secure Your Free Initial Consultation with DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C

Being accused of indecent exposure can feel shocking, embarrassing, and confusing. You may be worried about your reputation, your job, and whether this will follow you for years. At Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., our attorneys defend people facing these sensitive criminal allegations in Massachusetts courts, including cases that start in Boston.

Attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin are former prosecutors who now focus their practice on criminal defense. They understand how the Commonwealth builds these cases and work to challenge weak or overstated accusations. The firm is available 24 hours a day, so you can speak with a lawyer quickly and avoid early mistakes that may harm your case.

Protect your name and your future by calling (617) 941-3666 or contacting us online for a free initial consultation. Our team is available 24/7, providing the help of an experienced Boston indecent exposure lawyer when you need it most.

Understanding Indecent Exposure Laws in Massachusetts

In the Commonwealth, indecent exposure is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 53. While many people assume any form of public nudity falls under this category, the law is quite specific. Massachusetts courts define the offense as an "intentional act of lewd exposure, offensive to one or more persons."

It is crucial to distinguish this charge from its more serious felony counterpart: Open and Gross Lewdness and Lascivious Behavior (M.G.L. c. 272, § 16).

• Indecent Exposure: This is a misdemeanor that specifically requires the exposure of one's genitals. Under Massachusetts law, exposing the buttocks, pubic hair, or female breasts does not technically constitute "indecent exposure" under Section 53, though it may trigger other charges.
• Open and Gross Lewdness: This is a felony that applies when the exposure (which can include buttocks or breasts) is done in a manner intended to cause alarm or shock, and actually results in a witness feeling a "serious negative emotional experience."

Because the line between a misdemeanor and a felony often rests on the perceived "shock" of a witness, having an indecent exposure attorney in Boston who can challenge the prosecution's characterization of the event is vital to preventing a more serious conviction.

Many people charged with indecent exposure worry that they will be forced to register as a sex offender. Whether registration is at issue can depend on the exact statute charged and the facts of the case. Our attorneys explain how Massachusetts treats these accusations, including how indecent exposure can be different from more serious sex offenses that are more closely tied to registration requirements.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Indecent Exposure Convictions in Boston

While categorized as a misdemeanor, the penalties for a conviction in Massachusetts are not to be taken lightly:

• Incarceration: You face up to six months in jail or house of correction.
• Fines: The court may impose fines and significant court costs.
• Sex Offender Registration: In most standard cases of indecent exposure (misdemeanors), registration is not required for a first offense. However, if the charge is escalated to "Open and Gross Lewdness" or involves a minor, the risk of being forced to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) becomes a terrifying reality.

The collateral consequences are often the most damaging. A conviction appearing on your CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) can lead to:

• Career Ruin: Many employers in the Boston area, particularly in education, healthcare, and finance, have zero-tolerance policies for "crimes of moral turpitude."
• Housing Rejection: Landlords often view any offense sexual in nature as a high-risk factor, making it difficult to find suitable housing.
• Educational Barriers: For students at Boston’s many universities, a conviction can trigger disciplinary hearings, suspension, or expulsion.

What To Do After An Arrest

If you are facing a charge connected to an incident in Boston or another Massachusetts community, it is usually wise to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions. An attorney can advise you on whether to give a statement, how bail or release conditions may work, and what to expect at the arraignment. In Boston Municipal Court and in district courts within Suffolk County, arraignments are often brief, but they are also where conditions like stay-away orders or reporting requirements can be imposed.

Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. answers calls at all hours so that clients can receive guidance before acting on impulse or pressure. The attorneys work to step in quickly enough that you feel supported from the very beginning, not just when a court date is near.

If you have been arrested or notified of a charge, these steps may help protect you:

• Avoid discussing the incident with police or others until you have legal advice.
• Do not post about the situation on social media or share details by text.
• Write down your memory of what happened and save any relevant messages or information.
• Gather basic documents, such as identification and any paperwork you received from police or the court.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly to review your situation before your first court date.

Taking these steps can make it easier for your attorney to protect your rights and begin building a strategy tailored to your case.

Local Courts & Case Process for Indecent Exposure Cases in Boston

Indecent exposure cases that arise in the Boston area are typically heard in local trial courts within the Massachusetts system. Depending on where the alleged conduct occurred, your case may be scheduled in Boston Municipal Court or in a nearby district court within Suffolk County. Knowing where to appear and what will happen there can relieve some of the uncertainty you may be feeling.

A typical case includes several stages. It often begins with an arraignment, where the charge is formally read, and you enter a plea of not guilty. Conditions of release, such as stay-away orders or requirements to remain crime-free, are usually set at this time. After arraignment, cases usually proceed to pretrial conferences, where the prosecution provides police reports and other discovery, and where attorneys start discussing possible resolutions.

In many situations, your lawyer may file motions that challenge aspects of the evidence or ask the judge to rule on legal issues. Some cases are resolved through negotiated agreements that take into account the facts of the case and the person’s prior record. Other cases proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides whether the prosecution has proven the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced indecent exposure lawyer in Boston will talk with you about the pros and cons of each path, based on your goals and risk tolerance.

How Our Boston Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyers Can Help

The attorneys at Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. draw on their former prosecutor backgrounds to defend people accused of indecent exposure. Because they have handled cases from the other side of the courtroom, they know what police reports tend to include, what prosecutors look for, and where weaknesses often appear.

In an indecent exposure case, the details matter. The attorneys review police narratives, civilian witness statements, any available video, and other records to see what really happened. They look closely at questions like whether the person was correctly identified, whether the alleged conduct was actually intentional, and whether the witnesses could clearly see what they claim. They also consider whether alcohol use, mental health factors, or misunderstandings about the setting may have influenced how the incident was reported.

When appropriate, they file motions that challenge probable cause or seek to exclude unreliable evidence. The firm’s history of dismissals, not guilty findings, and no probable cause rulings in criminal cases reflects a commitment to fighting weak accusations instead of simply accepting the state’s version. While no result can ever be promised, the attorneys work to give each client a defense tailored to the facts of their case.

Key ways our attorneys work to protect you include:

• Carefully reviewing police reports and witness accounts for inconsistencies or gaps.
• Assessing whether the alleged conduct meets the legal definition of indecent exposure.
• Filing appropriate motions that challenge probable cause or seek to limit unreliable evidence.
• Explaining potential plea options and trial risks so you can make informed decisions.
• Preparing you for each court date, including what to expect and how to present yourself.
• Staying available to answer questions and provide reassurance throughout the case.

If you are searching for an indecent exposure attorney in Boston for discrete, focused help, this firm is prepared to guide you through the full process, from the first call to the final resolution.

Talk To An Indecent Exposure Lawyer in Boston Today

At Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin draw on their former prosecutor backgrounds, focused criminal defense practice, and detail-oriented case preparation to defend people accused of indecent exposure and other offenses. They stay responsive when things are urgent, explain each step in plain language, and work to ensure that nothing important is overlooked.

Your consultation is free and confidential, and the firm is available around the clock so you can get answers when you need them, not days later. If you are looking for an indecent exposure attorney in Boston for immediate guidance, reach out now and speak directly with a lawyer about your situation.

Call (617) 941-3666 or reach out online to speak with an indecent exposure attorney today.