In order to protect the public’s right to live peacefully, the Texas judicial system has laws in place to prevent individuals from participating in public acts that could be disturbing or offensive to the public. These laws specifically prohibit individuals from being involved in sexually explicit conduct. When an individual violates these laws, he or she can be charged with public lewdness.
Public Lewdness Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Laws Against Public Nudity in Texas
According to Texas Penal Code § 21.07, an individual can be charged with public lewdness if he or she commits any of the following acts in public:
- Sexual intercourse
- Deviate sexual intercourse
- Sexual Contact
- Any act involving contact between one person’s genitals or mouth, and an animal’s genitals or anus
If an individual commits any of these acts in a nonpublic place but is reckless about whether another person is present who will be offended by his or her actions, he or she can be charged with public lewdness.
Definitions for Public Lewdness in Texas
The following terms of sexual conduct are defined in § 21.01 of the Texas Penal Code as:
- Sexual intercourse – the penetration by the male sex organ, into the female sex organ
- Deviate sexual intercourse – the penetration of the anus or genitals with an object, or contact between the genitals of one individual with the mouth or anus of another
- Sexual Contact – any touching of the breast, genitals, or anus of another person
Penalties for Public Lewdness in Dallas/Fort Worth
Under Texas law, public lewdness is considered a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of this offense, an individual can be sentenced to up to a year in jail, and/or be ordered to pay a fine of up to $4,000.
- Along with the penalties mentioned above, individuals may also be penalized by:
- Being required to register as a sex offender
- Inability to be admitted into certain educational institutions
- Employment limitations
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Public Leweness Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
If you have been charged with Public Lewdness in Dallas, the attorneys at our firm have the experience that is necessary to successfully defend you.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.