Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

A 15-year-old can be charged with public indecency. True or False?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if accompanied by an adult

4. Depends on the circumstances

The correct answer is: False

Charging a 15-year-old with public indecency can depend on state laws and specific legal definitions of the offense, but it is generally true that minors can be charged with such offenses. The legal system recognizes that individuals under 18 can engage in behavior that may be considered public indecency, which would typically result in legal consequences. Many jurisdictions do allow minors to be charged for public indecency, albeit often with considerations for the minor's age and context of the behavior. Therefore, the assertion that a 15-year-old cannot be charged is not accurate, as it is indeed possible for minors, including those who are 15, to face charges related to public indecency based on specific actions they take. The distinction lies more in how these charges are processed and the potential for different consequences in juvenile versus adult court systems.