Lewd Conduct

Lewd Conduct Charges in New York

The word lewd means an action or activity that either demonstrates sexual desire and/or lust or is intended to excite such a response in another. It comes from a basic meaning of "unlearned" and so carries that underlying definition of uncivilized or unsocial. As a sexual offense it covers any of a variety of criminal acts that are carried out with the intent of arousing sexual interest or lust. The arousal can be intended for the perpetrator, the victim or both parties.

Such actions can be either carried out with physical presence, such as indecent exposure or in the manner of prostitution, or via pornography, internet activities or through any variety of communication or media outlets. Whether called lewd conduct or lascivious behavior these offenses are considered sex crimes throughout the country and will be prosecuted as such. Fighting such charges can require a very sophisticated defense by an experienced New York sex crimes attorney such as The Law Firm of Brian D. Perskin. With over forty years of collective legal experience they have the familiarity and legal skills to mount a very effective defense against charges of lewd conduct.

Areas of Lewd Conduct Offenses

Lewd conduct between adults can be tried as either misdemeanors or felonies. Much depends upon the circumstances, the past criminal record of the offender and if other aggravating circumstances, such as assault, were involved. The most common offenses involve public genitalia exposure, some form of prostitution or pornographic type activities.

The more serious forms of lewd conduct involve children or minors and these will be treated as felonies. Any such actions between an adult and a child that carry a sexual intent such as exposure, touching or pornographic activities will be harshly prosecuted by the law. The law allows for heavy financial fines, significant incarceration periods and mandatory rehabilitation programs including confinement to mental hospitals. A conviction of lewd conduct with a minor will result in the offender being placed on the National Sex Offenders Registry. This is a major impediment to one's future life. The information is accessible to anyone and can affect housing, employment and the social opportunities open to one.