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Exposing Indecent Exposure Offenses and Their Adjudication

NCJ Number
124519
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 74 Issue: 3 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 150-157
Author(s)
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study of indecent-exposure cases in Los Angeles County provides data on offenders, penalties, penalty predictors, recidivism and its predictors, causal theories, and the effectiveness of sentencing and treatment.
Abstract

Data were obtained from 131 of the files of persons sentenced for indecent exposure during or after 1981 and closed in the courts in 1984. Offenders tended to be older, more affluent than other offenders, white, more often married than other offenders, and less likely than other offenders to have alcohol and drug problems and prior criminal records. All but five of the offenders received probation, and 66 percent had one or more financial penalties. Fines were issued to those most able to pay them, and confinement was given those with the poorest educational and financial status. For 2 years after release, no arrests were experienced by 81 percent of the subjects. Recidivism was associated with prior drug problems, prior felony arrests, unsatisfactory treatment cooperation, poor health, and the displaying of the penis in erection without masturbating it during the exposure. The penalties had no significant effect, either positive or negative. 4 tables, 18 references.

Date Published: January 1, 1990