Facing lewd conduct charges in New Orleans can feel overwhelming. Whether it was a misunderstanding or an unexpected situation, dealing with criminal charges is serious. These charges can impact your personal and professional life. Our law firm understands the importance of guiding you through this legal process. Below, we’ll cover what lewd conduct charges involve, possible penalties, and how a skilled criminal defense lawyer can protect your future.
What Constitutes a Lewd Conduct Charge in New Orleans?
New Orleans law defines lewd conduct under municipal code § 54-254. According to this code, lewd conduct includes specific intentional acts likely to be seen in public. These acts, often called indecent exposure, include:
- Exposure of one’s genitals
- Engaging in sexual intercourse
- Masturbation
- Urinating or defecating in a public setting
If you’re caught urinating in public, it could lead to a public urination charge in New Orleans if it meets these criteria. Police officers may charge individuals if they believe someone intended to act publicly or in a space accessible to others. Even acts like urinating in public, which some see as minor, can lead to criminal charges under this law.
Penalties for Lewd Conduct in New Orleans
Violating § 54-254 can result in penalties, including:
- A minimum fine of $100
- 30 hours of community service, often as trash cleanup
But lewd conduct and public urination charges can lead to long-term consequences beyond these immediate penalties.
Why a Lewd Conduct Charge is More Serious Than You Might Think
A lewd conduct charge in New Orleans, or a public urination charge, can have significant consequences that go beyond fines or community service. Here’s how this charge might affect you:
Damages Your Reputation
Any criminal charge, including lewd conduct or a charged with public urination offense, can harm your reputation with friends, family, and colleagues. This is especially challenging in a city as connected as New Orleans. If you work in a high-trust field, like healthcare or education, a lewd conduct charge can be particularly damaging.
Hurts Employment and Housing Prospects
Employers and landlords commonly perform background checks. A criminal record for lewd conduct or public urination could show up, leading to potential rejections. This is especially true in nearby cities like Baton Rouge, where local law enforcement agencies often share public records.
Impacts Your Mental Health
Facing charges for lewd conduct or indecent exposure can feel humiliating, leading to stress and anxiety. The process of attending court and worrying about the outcome is overwhelming. People facing these charges often fear judgment and the potential long-term effects on their lives.
May Lead to Harsher Penalties for Future Incidents
A lewd conduct or public urination charge in New Orleans could lead to harsher penalties if future criminal cases arise. A prior charge can influence a court’s view in unrelated cases, especially if similar charges occur.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Charged with Lewd Conduct or Public Urination in New Orleans
If you face lewd conduct or public urination charges in New Orleans, taking the right steps now can make a difference.
Avoid Discussing the Incident
If police officers approach you regarding the incident, don’t discuss any details without a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say could be used against you in court. Remaining calm and waiting to consult with a legal professional is your best move.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal defense attorney experienced with lewd conduct charges and public urination charges in New Orleans can offer invaluable guidance. They’ll evaluate your case, examine the evidence, and help you build a defense.
How a New Orleans Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
An experienced law firm with a criminal defense focus can help you handle a lewd conduct or public urination charge in New Orleans. Here’s what a criminal defense attorney will do:
Review Case Details
Every case is unique. A criminal defense lawyer will carefully review the specifics of your incident. They’ll analyze factors such as whether the act happened in public view, if witnesses were present, and whether the act was intentional. This analysis is essential for building a defense.
Challenge Evidence and Testimonies
Your defense attorney will examine the evidence presented against you. For lewd conduct, law enforcement must prove the act was public and lewd. For a public urination charge, the location must be public. Your attorney will scrutinize testimonies, locations, and circumstances to strengthen your defense.
Negotiate Penalties or Seek Reduced Charges
For cases of public urination or minor lewd conduct, your lawyer might negotiate alternatives to a criminal conviction. They may seek reduced charges or focus on community service as the primary penalty, rather than jail time or a permanent record. This approach can help avoid lasting impacts on your life.
Explore Expungement Options
If a conviction occurs, you may still have options for clearing your record through expungement. A criminal defense lawyer can assess your eligibility and guide you through the expungement process, helping remove any charges in New Orleans that might affect future opportunities.
Not sure what to ask when talking to a criminal defense attorney? Read our blog here: “10 Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney Before Hiring Them.”
Conclusion:
Facing a lewd conduct or public urination charge in New Orleans is daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal support, you can protect your rights and your future.
If you or a loved one is facing a lewd conduct or public urination charge in New Orleans, call our office at 504-434-7000 for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We’ll stand by your side, guide you through every step of the process, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
