At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand how quickly these charges can spiral. We take a proactive, aggressive approach to defending your name, your freedom, and your future. If you’re facing indecent exposure allegations in Memphis or Shelby County, we’re ready to help.
Tennessee Code § 39-13-511 defines indecent exposure as an intentional act of exposing one’s genitals, buttocks, or female breasts in a public place or in view of others, with the expectation that the act will:
This includes conduct:
Tennessee law takes these accusations seriously, especially when the alleged victim is a minor or the accused has prior convictions.
Tennessee law considers not just the act, but the intent and context of the exposure. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove:
It is not enough that someone was naked. There must be evidence of intent and context that meets the legal threshold.
Importantly, the law does not apply to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public or private, under any circumstances, is explicitly excluded from prosecution.
These charges carry the most serious consequences. Tennessee makes clear distinctions:
These cases are especially sensitive. A conviction may trigger mandatory sex offender registration, even for non-contact exposure.
A conviction can result in:
These penalties escalate dramatically if the accused has prior convictions, is on probation or parole, or is already a registered offender.
The law requires the act to be intentional. If the exposure was accidental or unintentional (such as a wardrobe malfunction), this may be a viable defense.
If the act occurred in a truly private setting with no reasonable expectation of public viewing, it may not meet the statute’s standard.
These charges often stem from misunderstandings or retaliatory claims. Witness credibility, motives, and consistency can all be challenged.
Mental illness or developmental disabilities may be relevant to the defendant’s intent and ability to form the mental state required for conviction.
When you hire us, we immediately:
We understand the embarrassment and anxiety that come with being accused of indecent exposure. We handle your case discreetly and respectfully, while aggressively protecting your rights.
If you’ve been arrested or investigated for indecent exposure in Memphis, time is not on your side. Early intervention can mean the difference between a dropped charge and a lifetime of consequences.
Contact Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you take control of the situation, defend your name, and protect your future.
Your reputation. Your freedom. Your future. All worth fighting for.
A felony is any criminal offense punishable by more than one year in prison. Misdemeanors carry jail time of up to 11 months and 29 days. Felonies also carry greater fines, long-term consequences, and more limited expungement opportunities.
Some nonviolent Class C, D, and E felonies may be eligible for expungement in Tennessee, but only after you’ve completed your sentence, remained conviction-free, and waited an additional 5–10 years. Not all offenses qualify.
Repeat offenders face enhanced sentencing ranges—sometimes double or triple what first-time offenders would receive. Career or persistent offenders may serve the maximum penalty available for the charge and face longer parole ineligibility.
Immediately. The earlier we get involved, the better chance we have to protect your rights, investigate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and push for dismissal, reduction, or diversion before trial.
The prosecutors are already building their case against you. Every day you wait is another day they get stronger.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
