Open Lewdness Charges in Pennsylvania

Open Lewdness – Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

Legal Information from Pittsburgh Open Lewdness Lawyers and Sex Crime Attorneys

Open lewdness is considered a sex crime in Pennsylvania. It falls under a category of crimes that involve a number of behaviors, that are often sexual in nature, and happen to go against community standards.

If you have been charged with open lewdness you are probably embarrassed and concerned with how this crime could affect your future and your reputation.

A sex crime on your criminal record could impact you for the rest of your life—applications for a job, housing, and loans can all be negatively impacted. Sex crimes carry a social stigma that is likely to follow you forever.

It is important that you find the proper representation—someone who is aggressive and ready to protect your rights and your freedom.

An arrest is not a conviction.

Having open lewdness allegations against you may be humiliating and frightening. But you do not have to face the charges alone – Justin Ketchel is an experience Pittsburgh sex crime attorney who will work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

He will give your case personal attention and be there every step of the way to answer your questions and prepare you for hearings or a trial.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: TO HAVE YOUR SEX ASSAULT CHARGES DISMISSED

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

OPEN LEWDNESS LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA

All 50 states have some law against lewd and lascivious acts. But lewd conduct is open to interpretation and thus, will not be the same from state to state or even across communities.

The law for open lewdness in Pennsylvania can be found in PA Consolidated Statutes Title 18 §5901. The law states that it is a crime for a person to do any lewd act that he knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.

The crime is based upon a community standard. That means that if the majority of people in the community would be offended or alarmed by the behavior, it will generally constitute lewd conduct.

Difference Between Indecent Exposure and Open Lewdness

Open lewdness is sometimes confused with Indecent Exposure, however, the two laws differ. Indecent exposure involves the exposure of one’s genitals in a public place, or any place where people are present and the conduct is likely to offend.

Open lewdness does not involve the same requirements. Although it can involve the exposure of genitals, it is not required. Nor is it required to be a public place—only that the behavior was likely to be observed by others.

There have been cases of open lewdness where someone exposed themselves while in their homes but in front of an open window, facing a public street that was visible to passersby. This can be enough to be charged with an open lewdness charge.

What is Open Lewdness?

Open lewdness often involves sexuality, nudity or sexual behavior. Some further examples of open lewdness include:

  • Sexual intercourse in public;
  • Urinating in public, or in the visibility of others;
  • Masturbating in public or where it is likely to be viewed by others.

There is often a sexual nature to these acts—as the behavior generally causes sexual arousal in the perpetrator.

The crime does not require proof that the perpetrator intended to offend others or cause alarm.

There need be no malicious intent to be charged with open lewdness—only that others were likely to witness the behavior and that the actions are offensive to the average person.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: TO HAVE YOUR OPEN LEWDNESS CHARGES DISMISSED

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

 

PENALTIES IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF OPEN LEWDNESS IN PENNSYLVANIA

If you are found guilty of an open lewdness charge in PA, you face very serious penalties—in addition to the embarrassment and humiliation of having a sex crime on your permanent criminal record.

Open lewdness is generally a third-degree misdemeanor under PA law.

A third-degree misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

FIGHTING OPEN LEWDNESS CHARGES IN PENNSYLVANIA

An arrest is not a conviction.

At Ketchel Law, we understand that not everyone accused of a crime is guilty of a crime. There are two sides to every story. We take your case very seriously and work toward having your charges reduced or your case dismissed.

We will fully investigate your case, examining every angle and gathering testimony and witnesses on your behalf. We will go over the charges and the procedures taken by law enforcement carefully. We will aggressively look for any evidence to build a strong case for you and discredit the alleged victim’s testimony.

It is our goal to have your case dismissed and if that is not possible, we will fight aggressively to have your charges reduced.

If you have been charged with a sex crime call Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Justin J. Ketchel for a free consultation.

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FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

We offer free legal consultations to anyone charged with a crime. Call us today to find out how we can help defend your rights.

Learn more about Ketchel Law and Sex Crime Laws in Pennsylvania:

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Call Ketchel Law now for a free legal consultation at 412-456-1221.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221

FREE CONSULTATION