Long Beach Island is a well-known summer destination in New Jersey, and every year some visitors get caught up in all the opportunities for fun which can lead to run-ins with law enforcement. Lewdness is charge in New Jersey that is prosecuted every year in Long Beach Island which carries serious consequences for actions that may only be intended as a joke. Regardless of what lead to the lewdness charge, a conviction of this disorderly persons offense can result in jail and payment of fines. However in certain situations lewdness can be graded as an indictable charge which is a crime in New Jersey. If you or someone you know has been charged with Lewdness in Long Beach Island, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers of Villani & Deluca today.

Lewdness (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4)

Lewdness is a unique crime because it can be committed in several ways. Common examples of acts that will result in a charge of Lewdness include:

Public urination

Public masturbation

Streaking

Mooning a non-consenting person

Inappropriate touching of one's genitals

Lewdness as a Disorderly Persons Offense- A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other nonconsenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.

Lewdness as a Fourth Degree Crime– A person commits a crime in the fourth degree if he exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably   expects he is likely to be observed by a child who is less than 13 years of age where the actor is at least four years older than the child  OR:  He exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a person who because of mental disease or defect is unable to understand the sexual nature of the actor's conduct.

 Do You Need A Lawyer For A Lewdness Charge?

The penalties that come with a Lewdness conviction cannot be understated which is why obtaining legal representation before appearing in Court is always recommended. With a conviction of lewdness as a disorderly persons offense the penalties include a fine of up to $1000 and up to 30 days in jail. If the act is charged as a fourth degree crime the potential punishment can include up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Speak To A Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The combination of a laid back vacation atmosphere and alcohol can quickly lead to a simple joke or immature act turning into an act of lewdness. When you take into consideration that something completely out of the person's control such as who sees the act  can result in the crime becoming much more serious, these situations will always require a lawyer with experience who can defend you. For the past 20 years the lawyers of Villani & Deluca have represented clients for various traffic and criminal offenses in Long Beach Island. If you have charges pending in Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Holgate, or Harvey Cedars our criminal defense lawyers will be able to represent you in your Lewdness case. Our firm is conveniently located in Point Pleasant Beach and our lawyers practice in both Monmouth and Ocean County. Call us today to schedule a FREE consultation at 609-389-9470.