Houston Public Lewdness Attorney
Proven Texas Sex Crime Defense
Section 21.07 of the Texas Penal Code defines public lewdness as a criminal offense in which a person engages in a sexual act in a public place, or in a way that is reckless about whether another person is present who may be alarmed or offended. Public lewdness, while not a violent sex crime, is still a serious criminal allegation.
Under Texas law, public lewdness may include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Deviate sexual intercourse
- Any act of sexual contact
- Any sexual act involving an animal
Public lewdness is a charge that can arise even when sexual acts are consensual. In many cases, arrests and charges occur as the result of couples engaging in sexual conduct in movie theaters, bars, bathrooms, parks, and other public places or facilities. Often, consenting individuals are arrested and charged for public lewdness because they believed they were in a place where there was privacy.
Public Lewdness Penalties & Defense
Public lewdness is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by the following:
- Fines up to $4,000;
- Imprisonment in jail for up to one year; or
- Both a fine and imprisonment
Public lewdness charges can also result in repercussions to your professional career and reputation. Prospective employers that conduct background checks, for example, may view a public lewdness charge unfavorably and make assumptions regarding sex crimes and one's character.
Even if you had no malicious intent, prosecutors may resort to aggressive tactics in order to gain a conviction. Public lewdness charges are filed regularly, but with the experienced support and representation provided by a Houston sex crime attorney from Billy Skinner & Associates, you can build an effective defense that fights toward having charges dismissed or penalties reduced as much as possible.
In some cases, certain individuals facing public lewdness charges may be granted deferred adjudication, depending on their criminal history and the circumstances surrounding an arrest. Deferred adjudication can allow for charge dismissals once probation has been successfully completed – but receiving this alternative sentencing option is never guaranteed.
Request a Free Consultation with a Houston Sex Crime Lawyer
Our legal team is committed to preserving the rights of the criminally accused and to taking every possible step to reach the most favorable resolution for a particular charge. Each case is different, however, and you can learn more about your personal charges, the potential penalties you face, and how our firm can help by requesting an in-depth, confidential free case evaluation.
Call (713) 600-7777 to discuss your case.
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