Open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior is proscribed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 16.  This type of behavior includes the deliberate exposure of buttocks, genitalia or female breasts.

To convict a defendant of this offense, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:

1. Exposed her/his buttocks, genitals or female breasts to one or more persons;
2. Did so intentionally;
3. Did so openly, meaning that he/she either intended exposure to the public or had a reckless disregard for a substantial risk of public exposure. “Openly” only refers to the intent that the act be witnessed by the unwilling. It does not necessarily mean and does not require that the behavior take place in a public locale;
4. Did so in a way to produce shock or distress; and
5. Actually caused one or more persons shock or distress because of the exposure.

Charges of open and gross lewd and lascivious behavior often involve public masturbation. The law is designed to punish those who impose lewdness on unwilling people, and it does not apply to constitutionally protected expressions. It also does not apply to sexual acts that take place in an area where one can reasonably expect privacy. For example, if another person accidentally sees you engaging in a sex act through the window of your home, this would likely not amount to open and gross lewd and lascivious behavior. Indecent exposure, which is a crime under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 S53, is a lesser included offense of open and gross lewdness.

Punishment

If you are convicted of this offense, you face imprisonment in the state prison for up to three years or in jail for up to two years or a fine of up to $300. As such, it is a felony that is significantly more serious than the misdemeanor of indecent exposure.