Personalized Defense for Indecent Exposure Allegations Under Kansas Law
A lewd and lascivious behavior charge in Manhattan, Kansas, can affect your reputation, employment, housing, family relationships, and future opportunities before the case is resolved. The decisions you make early in the case can also carry significant legal consequences.
At Addair Law, we provide personalized criminal defense for people accused of indecent exposure and other conduct prosecuted under the Kansas lewd and lascivious behavior statute. We have served Manhattan and surrounding communities since 2005 and represent clients throughout Kansas.
Indecent exposure isn’t a separate standalone offense under Kansas law. Prosecutors bring these allegations under K.S.A. 21-5513, the statute defining lewd and lascivious behavior. Because the statute covers more than one type of conduct, the specific accusation and surrounding circumstances matter.
One part of the statute addresses publicly engaging in otherwise lawful sexual intercourse or conduct legally classified as sodomy while knowing or reasonably anticipating that others will view it. Another addresses publicly exposing a sex organ, or exposing one in the presence of a non-spouse who hasn’t consented, with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires.
Charge classification. Lewd and lascivious behavior is a Class B nonperson misdemeanor when the alleged conduct occurs in the presence of someone who is 16 or older. It becomes a severity level 9 person felony when the person present is under 16. The age alleged by the prosecution therefore directly affects the charge classification.
Sex offender registration. A 15-year registration period applies to lewd and lascivious behavior when one of the parties involved is under 18. Registered individuals report to the registering law enforcement agency during their birth month and at specified intervals before and after that month. Time spent incarcerated and periods of noncompliance don’t count toward the registration duration.
“Seth and Bella worked wonders, securing a DUI diversion agreement and dismissing my hearing. Worth every penny—highly recommend Addair Law!”
Josh B.
“Efficient & Knowledgeable Legal Help”
“Gabriella and her team quickly unsealed my father’s adoption records. Highly recommend Addair Law for exceptional service in Kansas!”
Tim M.
“Ticket Diverted, Money Saved!”
“Julie Garver at Addair Law saved me over $2,000 by successfully diverting my speeding ticket—absolutely no charge! Highly recommend their amazing service!”
Austin H.
“Caring & Professional Representation”
“Tom Addair handled my DUI case with care and professionalism. He was always accessible, easy to talk to, and made me feel supported throughout the process. Highly recommend!”
Each of our attorneys concentrates on one or two practice areas, so your case receives focused legal attention. We develop a personalized strategy based on the accusation, available evidence, charge level, and your priorities.
Open communication is central to our representation. We keep you informed as the case develops and provide services in English and Spanish. Secure virtual consultations are also available when meeting remotely is more convenient.
Defense Issues in an Indecent Exposure Case
The prosecution must establish every statutory element of lewd and lascivious behavior. Our analysis examines what allegedly occurred, where it happened, who was present, and whether the evidence supports the required intent.
Important issues can include:
Alleged Conduct: The evidence must establish conduct covered by K.S.A. 21-5513 rather than conduct that falls outside the statute.
Sexual Intent: Intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires is a distinct element in an exposure allegation and must be supported by evidence.
Identification: Witness statements, recordings, and other identification evidence must reliably connect the accused person to the alleged act. Mistaken identity can be a central issue.
Surrounding Circumstances: The setting, evidence of public exposure, consent, and the ages of those present can affect whether the statutory elements are established.
For felony-level sex crime allegations arising in Manhattan, the Riley County Police Department and Riley County Attorney’s Office are typically involved. Preliminary hearings and pretrial conferences in these cases are held at Riley County District Court. We encourage accused individuals not to discuss the case with investigators and to speak with an attorney promptly.
Built on Integrity, Commitment, and Client-Centered Care
What Sets Addair Law Apart?
Bilingual Representation
We provide legal services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized guidance for every client.
Convenient Virtual Consultations
Access legal support from the comfort of your home with secure virtual consultations, tailored to fit your schedule.
Client-Centered Solutions
Our approach prioritizes your needs and goals, with strategies designed to achieve the best outcomes for your unique situation.
Trusted Local Expertise
With a deep understanding of the law and our community, we’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way.
Discuss Your Lewd & Lascivious Behavior Charge
A prompt consultation allows us to review the accusation, answer your immediate questions, and identify the decisions ahead. We offer virtual or in-person consultations for people facing indecent exposure and lewd and lascivious behavior allegations.
During a consultation, we can review the allegation and available information before you decide how to respond to investigators. Early questions often concern the conduct alleged and the age of the person said to have been present. Those details affect whether the accusation is classified as a misdemeanor or felony and whether sex offender registration may apply.
A case can involve police contact, a charging decision, court appearances, and pretrial proceedings. We can clarify which stage the case has reached, what information is currently available, and which immediate decisions require attention.
