N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4
Lewdness is one of those crimes that has no hard and fast definition. Rather, it has an amorphous interpretation as it is considered an act that would likely “affront or alarm” the sensibilities of another person. In Atlantic County, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4, “Lewd Acts” are those acts which are flagrantly lewd and offensive to a person or the public at large. One of the most commonly charged actions under the lewdness statute is one that involves “flashing” or “exposing yourself” to another non-consenting person. However, this would be just one of many possible behaviors that could get you arrested for lewdness in towns like Hamilton, Egg Harbor Township, and Atlantic City, Margate City, Absecon, Hammonton or Egg Harbor City. If you or family member were arrested for lewdness, then you are facing serious criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances of your offense, you could be charged with a fourth-degree indictable offense (also referred to as a felony) at the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is a respected and experience New Jersey Criminal Defense Firm. With nearly 100 years of cumulative legal experience, our criminal trial attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle your criminal charges. We will make every necessary pretrial motion and discovery request that would be advantageous so as to enhance your defense. For a free consultation with an Atlantic County attorney, contact our Atlantic County Office at 855-450-8310. Representatives are available day and night for your convenience.
Arrested and Charged With Lewdness in Atlantic City
Generally, a Lewdness charge is a disorderly persons offense that will be handled by the municipal court for the township where the event occurred. As a disorderly persons offense, Lewdness carries up to six (6) months of incarceration (or probation/community service as an alternative to jail) and a $1,000.00 fine. However, this offense will be enhanced to a fourth-degree indictable crime if certain circumstances are present. These circumstances include exposing your intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying your sexual desires or the sexual desires of any other person under circumstances where you know or should reasonably expect that your actions would be observed either: 1) by a child who is less than thirteen (13) years of age and where you are at least four years older than that child; or 2) by a person who because of mental disease or defect is unable to understand the sexual nature of the actor’s conduct. By intimate parts, the statute really means the reproductive organs of either a male or female, although, most typically speaking, the offense usually arises from the exposure of male genitalia.
Conviction For Lewdness in Egg Harbor Township
Unlike other sexually-related crimes, lewdness will not expose you to mandatory Megan’s Law registration as a sex offender. Nevertheless, a conviction for lewdness still carries its own series of consequences, specifically, jail, probation, community service, fines, surcharges and the like. A fourth-degree offense can lead to a period of incarceration for up to eighteen (18) months and a fine of up to $10,000.00. While a disorderly persons offense can lead to incarceration of up to six (6) months and a fine of up to $1,000.00.
Any period of imprisonment for these offenses would be a worst case scenario. The only way to guarantee that you do not face any jail time would be to obtain a downgrade of your charges or an outright dismissal. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we have roughly 100 years of collective experience defending against criminal charges, including Lewdness, and our team of former prosecutors stands ready to defend you. We have obtained countless downgrades and dismissals of criminal charges through proven defensive tactics and negotiations with the prosecutors. If you would like to learn about how we can help you with your Lewdness charge, contact our Atlantic County Office at 855-450-8310 today and speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Our firm can be reached 24/7 and the initial consultation is always provided free of charge.
