Washington Lewd Conduct Defense Lawyers
Lewd Conduct Defense
An offense is considered lewd if it is committed with the intention of arousing the offender or another individual. Penalties for lewd conduct are more serious when the offense involves a minor, in which a conviction is a felony offense and requires sex offender registration. A lewd conduct offense could relate to prostitution, an un-lawful sexual act, pornography, or indecent exposure involving either public display of the genitals or inappropriate touching. Those who have been accused of lewd conduct in Washington must not only endure harsh legal ramifications if convicted, but also unforgiving societal judgment. In the effort to protect one’s rights and understand the often complex laws surrounding a lewd conduct offense, it is practical and of the utmost importance to seek help from a King County criminal defense attorney with experience and knowledge in lewd conduct defense.
In the state of Washington, indecent exposure is considered an act where in an individual "intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person or the person of another knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm. The act of breastfeeding or expressing breast milk is not indecent exposure." (RCW 9.94A.030) If an individual exposes himself or herself to a person under fourteen years of age and it is a first offense, the indecent exposure offense is a gross misdemeanor. Much harsher penalties as a class C felony may await those who commit an act of indecent exposure and already have prior convictions of indecent exposure acts.
Registry as a sex offender can impose many inconveniences and negatively influence relationships, job situations, and even places of residence if you are convicted of lewd conduct against a minor. When you are registered as a sex offender within your community, residents have access to Internet-based searches that reveal your address and name. In Washington State, some offenders may even be required to appear in person at a Sheriff County’s office every ninety days and only have the right to petition for removal after five years.
A Washington lewd conduct offense in some cases may be indicted in addition to other criminal charges if a more severe sexual offense was also committed or if physical harm was inflicted on a victim. An alleged perpetrator facing multiple convictions is put in an even more challenging position when it comes to developing a solid and convincing case. An attorney who has dealt with many cases similar to yours will know what course of action to take.
At McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC, our skilled lewd conduct attorneys in Washington have helped defend many clients accused of various degrees of lewd conduct. With our focus on personal attention and care, we will act in a timely manner and efficiently investigate your case. In working with you to achieve the best possible outcome, our Tacoma lewd act defense lawyers at McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC, firmly believe in providing an aggressive defense to protect your rights and get charges held against you dismissed or reduced. Contact our criminal defense firm today by calling 206-332-1918 for your free consultation.