PL 245.00 · Article 245
Public Lewdness
Public lewdness alleges that a person intentionally exposed their private parts or committed a lewd act in a public place, or in a private place where they could readily be seen from a public place or other private premises with intent to be seen.
Has your loved one been arrested or taken into police custody?
Text us immediately · (845) 290-2492What the prosecutor must prove
- The accused intentionally exposed the private or intimate parts of their body in a lewd manner, or committed another lewd act.
- This occurred in a public place, or in a private place under the circumstances in PL 245.00.
Defenses that commonly apply
- The exposure was accidental or not lewd (for example, public urination).
- The location was not public or visible.
- The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt; gaps in the evidence matter.
- Challenging identification, witness credibility, and the reliability of statements to police.
- Suppression of evidence or statements obtained in violation of constitutional rights.
Penalties and collateral consequences
A Class B Misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to 3 months and a fine of up to Up to $500 or up to twice the gain.
Every case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is general, not legal advice.
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