Being investigated for or charged with lewd conduct in a public place is frightening, especially in conservative parts of Orange County. A skilled lewd conduct defense attorney who knows California laws can immediately intervene between you and the police, examine how officers interpreted lewd acts in public, and challenge whether any “public place” element actually occurred.
Even in arrests involving undercover stings for soliciting lewd acts or simple allegations of indecency, the prosecution must still prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Strong representation can make the difference between a dismissal for a first‑time incident and harsh sentencing for a repeat offense.
How to protect your reputation
Fighting a lewd conduct charge takes more than just damage control. The right defense strategy can expose weak evidence, prevent reputation fallout, and keep your record clean. Here are four ways criminal defense attorneys challenge these cases:
- Pinpoint weak links in the evidence. Effective lewd conduct defense strategies often start by crosschecking the arrest report against PC 647 requirements. Was the conduct truly lewd? Was anyone in a position to be offended? If either answer is “no,” your attorney will push for a dismissal or reduction.
- Control media exposure. In Orange County, occasional high‑profile cases where names are leaked before charges are filed happen. An initiative-taking public indecency defense team can file motions to seal records and keep your reputation intact.
- Attack probable cause in undercover operations. Many PC 647(a) arrests come from decoy officers. A skilled sex crime attorney can show a judge the stop was pre‑textual or based on entrapment, helping you avoid jail time and heavy fines.
- Monitor law changes. Legislation like 2025’s AB 379 proposes stiffer penalties for certain conduct — meaning today’s misdemeanor could become tomorrow’s felony. Staying current helps your lawyer negotiate from a position of strength.
Your case details
If you were arrested or charged with lewd conduct, every fact — time, location, witnesses — matters. But surveillance footage disappears, digital evidence gets lost and memories fade.
Hiring a defense attorney early gives you the best chance to take control of your case. It also allows Orange County criminal defense lawyer David Stein to contact witnesses before prosecutors do, demand any body‑camera video, and preserve texts that may clear your name.
At Stein Defense, we offer a confidential, judgment‑free free consultation focused on your next best move. Call us today to review the details of your case and start building the strongest defense possible.