Indecent Exposure Attorney in New York

Facing a Public Lewdness Charge? Get Former Prosecutors in Your Defense Team

When you’re facing indecent exposure allegations in New York, the outcome can impact every aspect of your life—your reputation, career, and even your relationships. As an experienced indecent exposure attorney in New York, Raiser and Kenniff, P.C. offers unwavering support and strategic defense for clients charged with indecent exposure or public lewdness. 

Our team’s deep familiarity with New York criminal courts and the intricacies of these sensitive charges gives you a clear advantage from the first consultation through every stage of your case. You can rely on our personalized approach, direct attorney access, and proven record of success throughout Manhattan, Mineola, Suffolk, and the surrounding areas.

Call (888) 646-0025 or contact us online to speak with an indecent exposure attorney in New York today in a free initial consultation. We are available around the clock.

Understanding Indecent Exposure Laws in New York

In New York, the crime of indecent exposure is legally defined under the state's Public Lewdness statute, which is found in New York Penal Law § 245.00. The law states that a person is guilty of public lewdness when they intentionally expose the private or intimate parts of their body in a lewd manner, or commit any other lewd act, in a public place, or in a private place under circumstances in which they may readily be observed from a public place and they know or reasonably should know that they may be observed. 

The key elements of this offense are "lewd," "intentional," and "public place." The exposure must be intentional and done with the intent to draw attention to oneself for sexual gratification or to sexually offend another person. Simple nudity is not a crime unless it is accompanied by a sexual or lewd intent. The courts in New York have consistently held that for there to be a violation of this statute, there must be a lewd or lascivious exhibition or exposure of the sexual organs.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of the alleged victim and other witnesses. As a seasoned New York indecent exposure lawyer, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Penalties of the Public Lewdness Offense

In New York, Public Lewdness is a Class B misdemeanor. However, the charge can be elevated to a felony under certain circumstances, which significantly increases the potential penalties.

• Class B Misdemeanor: A first-time conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to three months and/or a fine of up to $500.
• Felony: A second or subsequent conviction for certain sex offenses can be a felony. A conviction for a sex offense in New York can also lead to registration as a sex offender under certain circumstances.
• Other Related Offenses: Depending on the circumstances of the case, a person could also be charged with other, more serious offenses, such as forcible touching or sexual abuse. These are felonies with severe penalties and mandatory registration as a sex offender.

The potential for a misdemeanor charge to escalate to a felony is a severe and permanent consequence that a knowledgeable indecent exposure attorney in New York will take on with the utmost seriousness.

Additional Penalties

• Probation: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Sex Offender Registration: While a conviction for public lewdness does not automatically result in sex offender registration, the court may order it if it finds that the offense was sexually motivated. A felony sex crime conviction will require mandatory registration.