Public lewdness is a sex crime in Texas, and could potentially end in an individual having to register on the Texas sex offender registry. Such consequences will follow a person for years after he or she committed the crime.
Public lewdness cases are often the result of pranks and practical jokes, or the spontaneity of a young couple in love. Regardless of the reasoning, however, public lewdness is considered sexually deviate behavior and unwanted exposure.
Attorney for Public Lewdness Charges in Georgetown, TX
If you or someone you know has been charged with public lewdness due to sex in public or a similar offense, contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney is imperative.
Criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Price is an experienced litigator who has handled multiple cases, from pre-trial-to-trial in everything from violent crimes, to sex crimes. He takes cases throughout Williamson County, Texas and in the surrounding counties of Burnet County, Travis County, Bastrop County, Bell County, and Milam County in Texas.
Call Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 now to schedule a no obligations, confidential, consultation with Attorney Price.
Elements of Public Lewdness under Tex. Pen. Code § 21.07
In order to be convicted of public lewdness in Texas, in violation of Tex. Pen. Code. § 21.07, the State must prove the following elements, beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The offender knowingly engages in the following acts in a public place; or
- The offender knowingly engages in the following acts, in a place that may not be public but he or she is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by the following acts;
- The offender committed one of the following acts:
- an act of sexual contact;
- an act involving contact between the person’s mouth or genitals and the anus or genitals of an animal or fowl;
- an act of sexual intercourse; or
- an act of deviate sexual intercourse.
Penalties Public Lewdness Conviction in Texas
If an individual is convicted of public lewdness in violation of Tex. Pen. Code § 21.07, then he or she will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.
Public Lewdness vs. Indecent Exposure
Many Texas citizens confuse public lewdness with indecent exposure because they are very similar offenses. Both indecent exposure and public lewdness involve offensive acts done in public or in the presence of an unwanted audience.
Indecent exposure involves the act of exposes oneself, particularly his or her anus or parts of his or her genitalia with the intent to induce arousal. Public lewdness, on the other hand, goes further than simply exposing one’s private parts. Public lewdness involves sexual acts done in public or in the presence of unwanted viewers.
Moreover, indecent exposure is a lower class of misdemeanor than public lewdness.
Additional Resources
Texas Politics Project – Visit the Texas Politics Project created by The University of Texas –Austin, for more information about the various punishments and criminal penalties for charges in Texas. The website shows the maximum punishments for all misdemeanor and felony classifications, including information on the court that has original jurisdiction to adjudicate a case.
Tex. Pen. § 21.07 – Visit the Texas Legislature website for the full statutory language found in the public lewdness statute in Texas Penal Code § 21.07. The Statute lists the elements, and charges associated with public lewdness under Texas law.
Attorney for Public Lewdness Crimes in Williamson County, TX
If you or someone you know has been charged with public lewdness in violation of Texas Penal Code § 21.07, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Price & Twine, PLLC.
Michael J. Price is a lawyer who has established a reputation of experience, professionalism, and zeal. He is dedicated to fighting for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Georgetown, Texas.
His office is located in Williamson County, Texas, but he also takes cases in Bell County, Milam County, Lee County, Bastrop County, Travis County, and Burnet County.
Call Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 now for more information about what attorney Michael J. Price can do for your case.