Florida law defines lewd or lascivious exhibition, that is, the performance of sexual acts in front of minors under the age of 16, as a sexually criminal offense. Lewd or lascivious exhibition does not involve any kind of sexual or physical contact with children, but merely the act of exposing children’s minds to sexual activity. Masturbation, inappropriate touching of the genitals and other sexual acts are all considered lewd and lascivious exhibition.
An accusation of lewd or lascivious exhibition can result in severe consequences. Additionally, these charges may be unfounded. For example, a child may lie about the exhibition in order to take revenge on an offending adult or perhaps made it up as a joke.
Definition of Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition
Under Florida law, lewd or lascivious exhibition is defined as the inappropriate and intentional performance of sexual acts in front of children 16 years of age or below. The exhibition does not include any kind of physical touch. The consequences of being involved in lewd or lascivious exhibition are severe, though not as serious as lewd or lascivious molestation.
If you are proven guilty the stakes go even higher, and you may have to pay serious and lifelong penalties. These penalties vary based on the age of the offender.
If the offender is under 18 years of age:
- The offender can face a felony of up to third degree.
- The offender may end of getting a maximum of 5 year prison sentence.
- The offender may end of getting a minimum of 2 year prison sentence.
If the offender is over 18 years of age:
- The offender can face a felony of up to second degree.
- The offender may end of getting a maximum of 15 year prison sentence.
- The offender may end of getting a minimum of 2 year prison sentence.