Public Lewdness Lawyer

Have you been charged with public lewdness? This Class A misdemeanor can significantly impact your life.

Protect your freedom, reputation, and job prospects by seeking help from an acclaimed defense attorney.

Paul Doyle & Associates in Houston, TX, can clear your name and keep this sex crime off your record.

What Is Considered Public Lewdness?

The Texas Penal Code defines public lewdness as an offense occurring when a person knowingly engages in an act of sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact in a public place. If the act occurred in a private place and the individuals were reckless about whether another person was present who would be offended or alarmed by the act, they can still be charged with public lewdness.

Public lewdness often involves young adults or even married couples engaging in sexual activities in places they may not have considered “public” (for example, the back of a parked car or in a tent)—or even in places they know they shouldn’t (like a movie theater or a park).

If you've been charged with public lewdness, our Houston defense attorney office can help protect you from being charged with a misdemeanor and having a sex crime on your record.

Defense attorneys going over paperwork

The Consequences of Being Charged With Public Lewdness

Public lewdness is prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, carrying a maximum sentence of a year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. But the ramifications do not end there. After a fine or jail time the conviction would still be present on your record, and there is a social stigma against any criminal record that involves children, sex, or burglary. Further, having a sex crime on your record can have the consequence of being unable to obtain most state professional licenses, the inability to get certain jobs, and the refusal to be admitted to certain college and graduate school programs.

Unlike indecent exposure, public lewdness is not an offense that requires an individual to register as a sex offender.

Put a Lawyer on Your Side Don't Let a Misdemeanor Change Your Life

While prosecutors and the public may be quick to judge those who are facing sex crimes, our attorneys know there are two sides to every story. We want to hear about your case and help you exercise your rights, regardless of whether your charges involve sexual contact. Don't risk your future and freedom by representing yourself or consulting with a public defender. You need award-winning attorneys who are dedicated to criminal defense.

Paul Doyle and Trevor Sharon understand the consequences of a public lewdness conviction and a sex crime on your record. They will aggressively fight for you to clear your name. To get started, request a consultation with our lawyers or call our Houston office at:

Attorney and client discussing a public lewdness case
"Paul Doyle & Associates are very professional and know how to get favorable results. Despite the obstacles, Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed. Special thanks to Paul, Trevor and Maria for your courtesy and professionalism. I highly recommend Paul Doyle & Associates if you find yourself in need of an awesome Criminal Defense Attorney. Thanks again!" Robby E. Alsbrooks

Building Your Defense 4 Potential Avenues

Our Houston defense attorneys may build your case by:
Our team will build a compelling case and represent you in court if it comes to it. We will fight aggressively for your rights every step of the way.
Our team will build a compelling case and represent you in court if it comes to it. We will fight aggressively for your rights every step of the way.

Exploring Gray Areas

Even though many cases of public lewdness can be clear cut, many times the incident was simply a mistake. There can be some gray areas surrounding what is considered a "public space," and our lawyers can put together a defense that illustrates this.

Clarifying Details of Your Case

The public lewdness statute itself does not define what is considered “public.” That is often where the defense for a case lies. If the act occurred in a car owned by one of those involved in the act, is the back seat considered a public place? Does the tint of the windows change such a determination? What if the vehicle was a van with no windows? What is considered “reckless” can also be subjective. These details significantly affect the results of a case.

Determining Duress

If you were threatened with bodily harm if you refused sexual contact, our attorneys may argue that you were under duress to participate. Your charges may be reduced or dropped altogether.

Questioning the Arrest

Another common tactic our criminal defense attorneys use for public lewdness cases is questioning the circumstances surrounding the arrest and whether the sexual conduct meets the statutory definition of sexual.

Indecent Exposure vs. Public Lewdness Understanding the Differences

The main differences between indecent exposure and public lewdness are that indecent exposure involves one offender and requires the individual to register as a sex offender after a second or subsequent offense.

The Texas Penal Code defines indecent exposure as occuring when a person exposes their genitals or anus with the intent to arouse or sexually gratify any person and is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by the act. Indecent exposure is a Class B misdemeanor, and is punishable with 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

"Chances are you’re here looking for a review because you’re in need of a good lawyer. If you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor and you need someone to diligently fight for you, you’ve found that person. If I could leave 100 stars, I would. He’s resilient, thorough and gives you his TIME... My family will never look for another lawyer again." Lila Le
Paul Doyle

Paul Doyle & Associates

Paul Doyle & Associates was named "The Best of the Best in Criminal Defense" by the Houston Chronicle in 2021. No matter the criminal charges you face, attorney Paul Doyle and his team can defend your rights and, if necessary, represent you in court. Paul Doyle is proud to be affiliated with:

  • The Houston Trial Lawyers Association
  • The Houston Young Lawyers Association
  • The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

Request a free consultation with our firm right now by contacting us online or by calling (713) 228-9200.

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