A person commits the crime of indecent exposure by exposing the person’s body or private parts (usually genitals, anus, buttocks, or female breasts) in a public place and in the presence of another person who might be offended, alarmed, or annoyed. Laws vary from state to state—including definitions of exposed body parts—and some states require the exposure to have been made with the intent to attract attention or to sexually gratify the person making the indecent exposure, or to sexually gratify another person, or to offend another person.

Indecent exposure laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Vermont, indecent exposure is addressed under Vermont Statutes Title 13, Chapter 59, Section 2601. The law defines indecent exposure as intentionally exposing one's genitals to another person under circumstances that one knows or should know will likely cause affront or alarm. This includes exposure in a public place or in private premises where the exposure can be readily seen and is likely to be seen by casual observers who would be affronted or alarmed. Vermont law does not specifically mention the exposure of female breasts under indecent exposure. The intent behind the exposure, such as to attract attention, sexually gratify oneself or another, or to offend, can be a factor in determining the criminality of the act. Penalties for indecent exposure in Vermont can include fines and imprisonment, and the severity of the punishment can depend on the specific circumstances of the offense and the presence of any aggravating factors, such as prior convictions.