Open Lewdness Charges in PA
Penalties for Open Lewdness in Pennsylvania
A criminal charge of any type can be scary and stressful, especially when it is considered a sex crime. An open lewdness or public indecency conviction can be embarrassing as well as be a heavy burden on your future, limiting your options from obtaining a job to finding housing to college admissions.
If you were charged with Open Lewdness in Pennsylvania, you face third degree misdemeanor charges. A conviction could mean between up to one year in jail up to $2,500 in fines for a first offense.
In addition, Open Lewdness is considered a sex crime, and, if convicted, you will be required to register on the National Sex Offenders list. This list is publicly available for anyone to see – employers and landlords and anyone who looks up your name online – and if you fail to register, that can mean going to prison.
Open Lewdness Charges Are Not a Conviction
Being charged with a crime is stressful. However, it is important to remember that being charged with a crime is not the same as a conviction. You still have the right to defend yourself and fight for your rights.
Attorney Wana Saadzoi understands that people often make mistakes they later very much regret and would not do under normal circumstances.
Many times, accidents happen, identity could be mistaken, and people are not guilty of the crimes they are charged. That is why she will fight to have your charges dismissed or the penalties reduced and off your record.
If you were charged with open lewdness, the charges CAN be fought in court.
An aggressive and experienced sex crime attorney will help you fight your charges and prepare your case for the best possible outcome. A knowledgeable attorney is going to have a much better chance of getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether.
Attorney Wana Saadzoi has fought and won several high-profile sex crime cases. Call her today for a free legal case evaluation.
An Arrest is Not a Conviction
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Pennsylvania Sex Crime Lawyer
Call Attorney Wana Saadzoi Today
610-566-5956
What is Open Lewdness?
If you commit any lewd act, such as masturbation or urination, in any public space or a place where you should have known there are people who would be alarmed or offended by such behavior, then you have committed open lewdness.
It is possible to also be charged with open lewdness in any situation where genitals are exposed.
Open Lewdness can include any of the following examples:
- Public masturbation;
- Having sexual intercourse in public or in a public restroom;
- Public urination.
Open Lewdness as Defined by Pennsylvania Law:
- 5901. Open Lewdness (18 Pa.C.S.)
A person commits a 3rd degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail if he or she does any lewd act which he/she knows is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.
Other Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
In addition to jail time and large fines, a sex crime conviction can also mean a lifetime of registering as a sex offender after your release from prison.
The national sex offender registry is known as SORNA or Megan’s Law. If you are required to register on SORNA, anyone who does a basic background check or conducts a basic Internet search will easily see your criminal history.
SORNA can make it very difficult for you to find housing, a job, or obtain a loan.
An Arrest is Not a Conviction
Get a Free Legal Case Evaluation
Pennsylvania Sex Crime Lawyer
Call Attorney Wana Saadzoi Today
610-566-5956
HOW WANA SAADZOI CAN HELP
Attorney Wana Saadzoi has successfully won many complex sex crime cases in Pennsylvania. She is a tough, aggressive Pennsylvania Sex Crime Attorney who will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Attorney Saadzoi understands that not everyone accused of a sex crime is guilty. She is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom and will search every detail for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. She works tirelessly on her clients’ behalf to defend their rights.
As your attorney, she may take several courses of action to have your charges dropped or reduced. One example would be to assist with entry into an ARD Program, which is an alternative program for first-time offenders. This program offers a chance to have your record wiped clean, upon completion.
Defending Your Rights: An Arrest is NOT a Conviction.
Prosecutors must prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt in order to get a conviction in any criminal case. Many different defense strategies to sex crimes can show reasonable doubt, including mistaken identity, false reporting / false allegations, consent, duress, insanity, intoxication, alibi, and impossibility.
An aggressive sex crime lawyer will work to diminish the accusations and seek out any evidence that can prove your innocence.
Your reputation and freedom are important to you and your family. Attorney Wana Saadzoi will do everything possible to defend your rights.
Call a Pennsylvania Sex Crime Attorney Today
Wana Saadzoi
610-566-5956
When your life and future are at stake, you want the most experienced and dedicated sex crime attorney for the job – and that is Attorney Wana Saadzoi.
Call 610-566-5956 to schedule a free legal case evaluation.
Learn More About Saadzoi Law and Sex Crime Laws in Pennsylvania:
- Sexual Assault Charges in Pennsylvania
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) Charges
- Sexting
- Indecent Exposure
- Indecent Assault Charges
- Online Solicitation of a Minor or Unlawful Contact with a Minor
- Criminal Lawyers in PA
Saadzoi Law has three locations: