Going the bathroom outdoors at Mardi Gras isn’t unheard of, but it is illegal.
Public urination is a misdemeanor that can result in up to a $500 fine and up to six months in prison, assistant district attorney Robert Savage for the 19th district said.
Obscenity is defined as exposing oneself in public, which inevitably happens when you go to the bathroom outside.
Urinating in front of an unmarried person under the age of 17 could result in up to a $1,000 fine and two to five years in prison.
Frequently, those who relieve themselves in public are also drunk, this could result in a second charge of public drunkenness, Savage said.
Although parade goers may charge exorbitant fees to use their privately rented port-a-potties, it is not illegal, Savage said. This is also true for restrooms at stores and restaurants.
Spitting in public places and skinny dipping are also misdemeanors resulting in the same potential charge of $500 fine and six months in prison.