Indecent Exposure Defense — Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Michigan treats indecent exposure as more than an embarrassing incident. A conviction under MCL 750.335 or MCL 750.335a can mean jail time, a permanent criminal record, and — for aggravated charges — mandatory placement on the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) list. Ryan Maesen has handled these cases across West Michigan for over 20 years and understands exactly what the prosecution must prove.

Michigan Indecent Exposure Laws

MCL 750.335 — Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor)

Making an open or indecent exposure of yourself or another person. A first conviction carries up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The statute requires intentional conduct — accidental exposure is not criminal.

MCL 750.335a — Aggravated Indecent Exposure (Felony)

Exposure while fondling your genitals, or in the presence of a minor. This is a felony punishable by up to 2 years in prison. If the victim is under 18, the maximum doubles to 4 years. A conviction under this section triggers SORA registration requirements.

Sex Offender Registry Consequences

Michigan's SORA imposes registration terms of 15 to 25 years depending on the offense level and prior record. Registration restricts where you can live and work, requires in-person reporting, and is publicly searchable. Because the registry consequences can outlast the criminal sentence by decades, preventing registration is often the most critical goal of the defense.

Defense Strategies

Lack of Intent

Both statutes require intentional conduct. Medical conditions, sleep disorders, intoxication, and other circumstances that negate intent are viable defenses that can result in dismissal or reduction of charges.

Context and Location

Nudity alone is not indecent exposure. The surrounding circumstances — whether others were present, the nature of the location, and whether any complaint was made — all affect whether conduct qualifies as criminal.

Mistaken Identity and False Allegations

These charges often rest on a single witness account with no physical evidence, making misidentification and fabrication significant risks. Cross-examination of the complaining witness and corroboration gaps are central to the defense.

Unlawful Search or Arrest

If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights in gathering evidence or making the arrest, a motion to suppress can eliminate that evidence from trial or persuade the prosecutor to dismiss.

Why Act Immediately

Evidence favorable to the defense — security footage, witness statements, communications — disappears quickly. Early intervention before charges are formally filed sometimes prevents prosecution entirely. The sooner you have an attorney, the more options remain available.

Contact Maesen Law Today

Ryan Maesen personally handles every indecent exposure and sex crime case at Maesen Law. Call (616) 821-7691 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, and West Michigan.