New York state law prohibits lewd conduct in public. Lewd conduct is defined as any act of sexual gratification that is performed in a public place or in view of the public. This includes acts such as masturbation, sexual intercourse, or exposure of one's genitalia. Under New York Penal Law § 245.00 you could be charged with public lewdness if you intentionally expose your private parts, such as your penis, buttocks, or vagina in a lewd manner in a public place such as a city street or on a public bus, or you do some sort of lewd act such as masturbation. It is important to note that the definition of lewd conduct in New York also includes acts that are performed in private places but can be seen by others, such as through windows or doors. This means that even if the act is not performed in a public place, it can still be considered lewd conduct if it can be seen by others. Additionally, lewd conduct charges can also be escalated if they involve minors or are performed in a school zone. In these cases, the penalties can be much more severe, including mandatory registration as a sex offender and increased jail sentences. If you are facing a charge related of public lewdness, you need experienced legal representation. Contact an experienced New York lewd conduct lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. It is critical that you have someone to represent your interests from the beginning of the case until it is resolved.
Notable Cases About Lewd Conduct in New YorkThe penalties for lewd conduct in New York vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, a first-time offender can face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties, including higher fines and longer jail sentences. Further, aggravating factors such as the lewd act being performed in a school could result in additional charges and a heavier sentence. Given what’s at stake, it's important for individuals facing lewd conduct charges to work with an experienced New York lewd conduct lawyer to build a strong defense and protect their rights.
Proving and Defending a Lewd Conduct ChargeIn order to prosecute someone for lewd conduct in New York, the district attorney must prove that the act was performed intentionally and that it was performed for the purpose of sexual gratification. The prosecution must also show that the act was performed in public or in view of the public.
Defending against a charge of lewd conduct in New York can be challenging. However, there are several defenses that can be raised, including:
It is important to work with an experienced lewd conduct attorney in New York if you are facing charges of lewd conduct in New York who can help you build a strong defense and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. If necessary, they can also negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties, and in some cases, may be able to have the charges dismissed altogether.
Contact Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesLewd conduct is a serious offense in New York and carries significant penalties. If you have been charged with this crime, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced lewd conduct attorney serving New York who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW (1-800-696-9529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Westchester County, and Suffolk County.