Orange County Lewd Conduct Defense Attorneys

California Penal Code 647(a) - Lewd Conduct

According to California Penal Code 647(a), you can be charged with lewd conduct if you engage in a sexual behavior by yourself, or with another person, with the express purpose of gratifying or irritating another individual. This is a clear cut code. If you choose to have sex, in one form or another, where someone can see you, then you're engaged in lewd conduct.

But, in reality, these charges often come down to perception. What you believed to be completely innocent and away from prying eyes may have been out in the open and offensive to others. The key to defeating these charges is having a proper and competent criminal defense attorney.

Law Office of Michael L. Guisti has helped many people just like you. We've kept many clients from having their lives destroyed by lewd conduct charges. We understand the stress and fear that comes with accusations such as these. Everything from your personal to professional life can hang in the balance. The key now is building a thorough defense.

That is where our firm comes in. Call today and schedule your free consultation and case review. We can be reached at (714) 530-9690.

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What Happens If I Am Convicted in Orange County?

First, it's important to remember that the burden falls on the state when it comes to lewd conduct charges. In order for you to be convicted, the state must prove without a shadow of a doubt that you engaged in sexual behavior with the desired purpose of gratifying or offending another. While this may sound straight forward, it's quite complex in reality. Were you actually engaged in sexual behavior or were you simply touching yourself in such a way that may have suggested that? Did you mean to offend or arouse another, or was it a case of "wrong place, wrong time"? These are the burdens the state prosecutor must answer.

Should you be charged with lewd conduct, you could be facing many different possibilities. As a misdemeanor, California Penal Code 647(a) carries with it the potential for fines – up to $1,000 – and several months in jail. Fortunately, for a misdemeanor conviction, you wouldn't be required to register as a sex offender. But, this doesn't take into account the social problems associated with this crime. Your job, your marriage, and everything you've worked hard for could be in jeopardy. With today’s culture revolving around the "court of popular opinion," it wouldn’t take long for such a charge to wreck havoc on your life.

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Make The Call Today

If your or a loved one have been charged with lewd conduct, it's important to find legal representation soon as possible. The Orange County criminal defense team at Law Office of Michael L. Guisti has helped people in similar situations for nearly two decades.

Give us a call today and schedule a confidential appointment to review your legal options. Reach us at (714) 530-9690.

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