The Doors lead singer Jim Morrison may receive an indecent exposure pardon 40 years after the fact – California Penal Code 314

The charismatic but volatile lead singer of the legendary American rock band, The Doors, is poised to receive a posthumous pardon almost 40 years after being convicted of exposing himself on stage during a performance in Miami, Florida.

On March 1, 1969, Jim Morrison was reportedly drunk and slurring obscenities at the crowd when he allegedly unzipped his pants and simulated a sex act. Although other charges were ultimately dropped, Morrison was convicted of indecent exposure and sentenced to six months in jail. He jumped bail while appealing the verdict and stayed in Paris, France where he died mysteriously at the age of 27.

The outgoing Florida governor Charlie Crist is now considering issuing a pardon for the late rock star as his term in office comes to an end. Fans of The Doors have long petitioned for Morrison’s pardon with no success.

“It’s something that I haven’t given a lot of thought to, but it’s something I’m willing to look into in the time I have left,” Crist told U.S. Congressional newspaper The Hill. “Anything is possible. Stay tuned.”

Crist must act soon, however, as the request must be submitted before December 9th where it must also gain the consent of at least two other members of the Florida Board of Executive Clemency.

Whether you are a classical rock icon or a naked flasher slinking around in a trench-coat, California indecent exposure laws punish acts of exposing your genitals or other private parts for the purpose of shocking or disturbing other people around you.

Under Penal Code Section 314, indecent exposure is typically charged as a misdemeanor offense punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to six months and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. A judge also has the discretion to order a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code Section 290.

If you are a repeat offender, or if you exposed yourself in an inhabited dwelling without permission, the violation may be charged as a felony. A felony indecent exposure conviction can result in a three-year sentence in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000. You also face the possibility of having to register as a sex offender in California.

Simply exposing your genitals or other private parts does not in itself make you guilty of indecent exposure. You must also have had the intent to shock or disturb those around you, or to draw attention to your body for sexual arousal. Depending on your particular circumstances, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you defeat this charge by contending that you did not act with a lewd or sexually motivated intent. Trying to find a secluded place to urinate, for example, can constitute an act of public exposure that does not attempt to draw attention for lewd or sexual purposes.

At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have been in practice for over 30 years and will put that experience to use in helping you overcome your indecent exposure charge. Given the severity of the potential penalties that an indecent exposure conviction can bring, we will work hard to ensure that your interests are aggressively represented. Call us today at (877) 466-5245. We will be there for you when you call.