§ 245.00 Public lewdness. (NY)

A person is guilty of public lewdness when he or she intentionally exposes the private or intimate parts of his or her body in a lewd manner or commits any other lewd act: (a) in a public place, or (b) (i) in private premises under circumstances in which he or she may readily be observed from either a public place or from other private premises, and with intent that he or she be so observed, or (ii) while trespassing, as defined in section 140.05 of this part, in a dwelling as defined in subdivision three of section 140.00 of this part, under circumstances in which he or she is observed by a lawful occupant.

Public lewdness is a class B misdemeanor.

§ 245.00 Public lewdness penalties

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Up to 3 years of probation
• Combination of jail and probation
• Permanent criminal record
• Employment, housing, immigration, and other consequences of conviction

Public lewdness is typically charged in situations involving sexual acts that are done for the purpose of being observed by the public. It can be charged alone but it is usually charged with exposure under 245.01. Simply put, the lewdness charge refers to the act and exposure is for the nakedness which are each independently prohibited. Our defense efforts focus on getting the charges removed from our client's records and avoiding jail or other harsh penalties. If you or a loved-one has been charged with lewdness or exposure in New York City, contact us today for a consultation.