What are acts of lewdness?

Acts of lewdness generally involve the exposure of one's intimate parts or engaging in sexual activity in a public place or in a private location easily visible to the public. These acts are considered "lewd" if they are flagrantly offensive and the person committing the act knows or reasonably expects that the act will be observed by non-consenting persons who would be alarmed or offended. In more severe cases, acts of lewdness involve exposure with the intent of sexual arousal or gratification in circumstances where a child under 13 years of age is expected to witness them. The specific definition of acts of lewdness may vary based on jurisdiction and local laws.

What is the penalty for lewdness in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the penalty for lewdness varies based on whether the offense is classified as a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense. A disorderly persons offense conviction for lewdness can result in a sentence of up to six months in a local county jail. However, if the lewdness offense is deemed an indictable offense, the convicted individual could face up to 18 months in NJ State Prison. In addition to these potential prison sentences, both categories of offenses may involve fines, probation, and in some instances, mandatory registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

What is lewdness in the New Jersey statute?

According to the New Jersey Statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4), lewdness is an act of exposing one's intimate parts for the purpose of arousal or sexual gratification. This exposure can either be in public, or in a private place where it is visible to the public. There are two key classifications for lewdness in New Jersey: Disorderly Persons Offense Indictable Offense

Is lewdness an indictable offense?

Lewdness can be an indictable offense in New Jersey if the act of exposure is performed with the intention of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, and the perpetrator knows or reasonably expects that a child less than 13 years of age is likely to observe the act. In such cases, lewdness is a fourth-degree indictable offense, and if convicted, the offender could face up to 18 months in state prison.

New Jersey Lewdness Defense Attorney | Lewd Conduct Lawyer Haddonfield, NJ

New Jersey Lewdness Defense Attorney

Lewd Conduct Lawyer in Haddonfield, NJ Helps Clients Fight Lewdness Charges in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout South Jersey

As a seasoned New Jersey lewdness defense attorney, I fully understand the crushing weight lewdness charges can put on your life. These charges are no trivial matter, carrying potential prison time and severely damaging your reputation. I am acutely aware that even escaping the harshest punishments, such as imprisonment or sex offender registration, doesn't mean you're free from consequences. Your arrest history and conviction record could become easily accessible through public records on the internet, a ghost that might haunt you indefinitely. For this reason, it is paramount for anyone in NJ accused of lewdness to secure the services of a well-qualified defense attorney like myself who is intimately familiar with the intricacies of the NJ criminal justice system and knows how to fight for you in court.

I, Jill Cohen, have spent years as a lewd conduct lawyer in Haddonfield, NJ, tirelessly representing clients who've faced lewdness and other sex crimes charges in various areas of South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Camden, and Lindenwold. My expertise lies in dealing with prosecutors and raising advanced defense strategies at trial on your behalf, if needed.

Secure Your Future With Experienced and Dedicated Defense; Schedule a Free Consultation With Me, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Jill Cohen, to Fight For Your Rights and Seek The Justice You Deserve.

N.J.S.A. 2C: Lewdness Charges in New Jersey

In New Jersey, under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4, you can be charged with lewdness if you expose yourself in public or in a private place visible to the public. The circumstances leading to your lewdness charges may vary — maybe an overindulgence during a night out, a misjudgment of privacy with your partner, or a false accusation. Regardless, the charges are serious and demand your utmost attention. The penalties are severe, potentially involving considerable prison time, hefty fines, and sex offender registration requirements.

Lewdness can be either a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense:

Disorderly Persons Offense: If someone commits a blatantly lewd and offensive act that they know or reasonably expect is likely to be observed by non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.
Indictable Offense: If someone exposes their intimate parts with the intent of arousing or gratifying their sexual desire in circumstances where they know or reasonably expect that a child under 13 years of age is likely to observe them.

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Conviction for Lewd Conduct in NJ

If you are convicted of lewdness as a disorderly persons offense in municipal court, you could face up to six months in the local county jail. (Although most first-time offenders can avoid a jail sentence.) However, if you're convicted of lewdness as an indictable offense at the superior court level, you're looking at up to 18 months in NJ State Prison. Furthermore, an indictable sex crime conviction may necessitate your registration as a convicted sex offender under Megan’s Law, which could severely hinder your future career prospects.

In such a precarious situation, it's essential not to let a single mistake define the rest of your life. If you're facing lewdness charges in The Garden State, you need a qualified New Jersey lewdness defense attorney who will handle your case with the utmost discretion and aggressively protect your rights throughout the legal process. A lewdness conviction can lead to imprisonment and the requirement to register as a sex offender, but as your attorney, I can help you evade the most severe penalties and prevent a criminal conviction from staining your record. Don't hesitate to reach out and explore your legal options with me.

I Offer Free Case Evaluations to Consult With You About The Charges You Are Facing. Call Me at 856-830-6433 or Reach Out Through My Online Form to Schedule Your Consultation Today.

Experienced New Jersey Lewdness Defense Attorney Jill Cohen Offers Free Consultations to Clients Facing Lewd Conduct Charges in South Jersey

Don't let a single mistake tarnish your life. If you're facing lewdness charges in New Jersey, you need an attorney who will handle your case discreetly and aggressively safeguard your rights throughout the legal proceedings. A lewdness conviction could lead to prison time and even sex offender registration requirements. As a seasoned New Jersey lewdness defense attorney, I'm committed to helping you evade the harshest penalties and keep your record clear of a criminal conviction. Reach out to me to explore your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lewdness Charges in New Jersey

Acts of lewdness generally involve the exposure of one's intimate parts or engaging in sexual activity in a public place or in a private location easily visible to the public. These acts are considered "lewd" if they are flagrantly offensive and the person committing the act knows or reasonably expects that the act will be observed by non-consenting persons who would be alarmed or offended. In more severe cases, acts of lewdness involve exposure with the intent of sexual arousal or gratification in circumstances where a child under 13 years of age is expected to witness them. The specific definition of acts of lewdness may vary based on jurisdiction and local laws.
In New Jersey, the penalty for lewdness varies based on whether the offense is classified as a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense. A disorderly persons offense conviction for lewdness can result in a sentence of up to six months in a local county jail. However, if the lewdness offense is deemed an indictable offense, the convicted individual could face up to 18 months in NJ State Prison. In addition to these potential prison sentences, both categories of offenses may involve fines, probation, and in some instances, mandatory registration as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
According to the New Jersey Statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4), lewdness is an act of exposing one's intimate parts for the purpose of arousal or sexual gratification. This exposure can either be in public, or in a private place where it is visible to the public. There are two key classifications for lewdness in New Jersey:
Disorderly Persons Offense: An act is considered a lewd act if it is flagrantly offensive, and the perpetrator knows or reasonably expects that it is likely to be observed by non-consenting individuals who would be alarmed or offended.
Indictable Offense: An act is classified as an indictable offense if a person exposes their intimate parts for sexual arousal or gratification under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects that a child under 13 years of age is likely to observe them.
Lewdness can be an indictable offense in New Jersey if the act of exposure is performed with the intention of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, and the perpetrator knows or reasonably expects that a child less than 13 years of age is likely to observe the act. In such cases, lewdness is a fourth-degree indictable offense, and if convicted, the offender could face up to 18 months in state prison.