We understand that a charge of lewd and lascivious behavior is often confusing, frightening, and embarrassing.
The process of addressing the situation can be overwhelming.
Let’s look at some of the basic questions you might have regarding the legal implications of lewd and lascivious behavior and whether you may be at risk for breaking the law.
What Is Lewd and Lascivious Behavior?
Lewd and lascivious behavior is obscene acts done for sexual arousal or to shock and arouse another person without their consent. In Ohio, the criminal justice system also refers to these acts as indecent behavior.
What Are Examples of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior?
You are at risk of being charged with a crime when you engage in lewd and lascivious behavior. These crimes cover a range of actions. Some examples include:
- Exposing your private parts in public;
- Engaging in sexual conduct or masturbation in public;
- Secretly looking into a private area to view another person; or
- Sending a nude picture of yourself to a minor.
Ohio considers each of these against public decency and illegal. Indecent exposure, peeping, and lewd phone calls are some of the more common ways people break the law.
Will I Be on The Sex Offender Registry If I Break the Law?
Whether a conviction for a lewd and lascivious act results in a requirement to register as a sex offender depends upon the seriousness of offense, your prior record, and other considerations. In Ohio, a lewd and lascivious act may mean registration for life, 25 years, or 15 years. Registration is a significant punishment.
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., maintain publicly accessible sex offender registration websites, which typically collect the offenders’ names, photos, fingerprints, addresses, and employment information.
What Are The Penalties For Lewd And Lascivious Behavior?
Sex offender registration is only one of the many possible punishments for lewd and lascivious acts. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, additional penalties range from fines to years of imprisonment. If your act involves any of the following, the Ohio courts will probably punish you more harshly:
- A weapon,
- A repeat offense,
- A video recording, or
- A victim who is a minor.
It would be best if you discussed all aspects of your case with an attorney. They will be able to apply the facts to the charges and explain your rights and possible consequences.
Are There Defenses in Lewd and Lascivious Behavior Cases?
Though lewd and lascivious acts are considered against public decency, they are not acts for which there is no defense. Defense attorneys will consider all available avenues to assist you. They will investigate any illegal police conduct that could lead to dismissal of the charges, work to gather facts to prove you innocent if you are wrongfully accused, and try to have the charges reduced to lessen your sentence if a conviction is likely.
Lewd and lascivious behaviors can result in social stigma, job loss, and family discord. You want an experienced defense attorney specializing in lewd and lascivious behavior cases who will sympathize with how the charge impacts your life. A lawyer with experience in this field knows the gravity of the situation and can provide a strong legal defense.
We Can Help
Please call Gounaris Abboud, LPA, immediately at 937-222-1515 if you are facing charges related to lewd and lascivious behavior. Our experienced attorneys provide exceptionally high quality legal representation. We will listen to your side of the case, gather information to assist in your defense, and be your voice in dealing with the police and courts.
At Gounaris Abboud, we understand how hard it is, emotionally and legally, to face these charges. We will talk to you without judgment. Contact us today for a free case analysis.
