You’ve been arrested and booked on charges of lewd conduct. The arresting officer has ensured that you will be marked a “sex offender” for life and the prosecution will throw the book at you. Undoubtedly you’ve got multiple questions racing through your mind at the moment, such as:
- What happens if I am convicted?
- What legal options do I have?
- Did I really commit a crime?
- Who should I call?
First, know that you have the right to a strong legal defense regardless of what crime you are being accused. Second, you are not alone with these charges – hundreds of individuals are arrested everyday on trumped up charges of lewd conduct. This does not make you guilty, nor does it mark you as a “deviant“. Third and most important, the Law Offices of David A. Stein stand ready to provide you with every defensive option available. For almost two decades, our firm has been successfully fighting for the rights of individuals throughout Southern California and we have the experience to make a difference in your case as well.
Call (949) 445-0040 or submit your inquiry using the “Free Consultation Form“.
However, time is of the essence. California law enforcement and prosecutors take charges of lewd conduct very seriously. They will not hesitate to give you the maximum sentence and penalty afforded by law. The longer you wait, the more your livelihood and your freedoms are in jeopardy. Call the Law Offices of David A. Stein today and begin building your defense . Start with a free consultation.
What is Lewd Conduct?
Under California Penal Code Section 647, lewd conduct refers to a variety of sexual behaviors that more or less, occur in a public space. As defined by legislation, in order to be convicted of a lewd conduct charge, you must be found guilty of the following:
- You must have engaged in, or solicited another person in, the touching of genitals, buttocks or the female breasts in a public space or forum.
- You must have done so with the intention to sexually arouse or gratify yourself or to annoy and offend a third party within the vicinity.
- You had to have known, or should have known, that other people were in the area that may be offended by your behavior.
What Are The Penalties For Lewd Conduct?
In California, lewd conduct is considered a misdemeanor and can carry up to 6 months in jail, fines and probation. However, it is not unheard of for the prosecution to attempt to label you as a sex offender, which is a stigma you will carry for life. This can seriously impact your chances at employment, your current relationships and just about every aspect of your day-to-day living.
What Are my Defense Options?
Obtaining a lewd conduct conviction is difficult, but not impossible. Prosecutors will use every trick in the book to get their sex crime conviction. You best defense in this case is a qualified criminal defense attorney. Call the Law Offices of David A. Stein today for more information at (949) 445-0040.
