Lewd and Lascivious Conduct Charges
Criminal charges can carry serious consequences for the persons accused, and charges of nearly all types can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s reputation and livelihood. When it comes to crimes that are sexual in nature, the individual may be forced to deal not only with the consequences of the charges themselves, but also from a damaged reputation in the eyes of their friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Serious crimes that involve sexual assault and battery often involve serious penalties and may carry significant jail time if the person is convicted. Following release from incarceration, individuals may be required to follow a strict probation program and may be forced to register as a sex offender. Such labels can follow a person around for the rest of their lives and may make it difficult to find housing and employment.
While most people are aware of serious sex crime charges like sexual assault, rape, and battery, many are not aware that exposing others to lewd or offensive acts may also be considered sex crimes. Most cities and states have laws against offensive or obscene acts in public, which are often prosecuted as misdemeanors.
In Massachusetts, persons who commit certain acts of a sexual nature in public may face charges of “lewd and lascivious conduct”. Such charges may involve:
Performing sexual acts in public
Engaging in sexual activity in front of a minor
Exposing one’s genitalia in public
Engaging in tresspassory voyeurism
Public urination/defecation
In most cases, lewd and lascivious conduct involves the engaging of offensive acts in public, but does not involve touching or force of any kind. If a person touches another person in an offensive way or while engaging in sexual-acts, he or she may face more serious charges as a result.
Persons who are charged with sex crimes should be sure to have an experienced attorney on their side to help defend their rights and their reputation. It is important to consult an attorney who understands the specific laws in your state and is familiar with defending against such harmful accusations. If you or someone you know is facing charges of lewd and lascivious conduct, it is important to act quickly to protect yourself and your reputation.
For more information on lewd and lascivious conduct charges and criminal defense, visit the website of the Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer James Powderly.
