The attorneys at the Law Offices of Herbert I. Ellis, P.C., will defend you of any crimes of sexual nature
including charges of lewdness. We have been protecting the rights of our clients for more than two
decades. We will use our skills to help reduce the criminal charges against you and keep you out of jail.
Lewdness Law in NJ
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the act, Lewdness is either a Disorderly Persons Offense or
a Fourth Degree Crime in the State of New Jersey. An individual is guilty of Lewdness under the following
circumstances:
- Disorderly Persons Offense of Lewdness
An individual is guilty of a Disorderly Persons Offense if they knowingly commit any act that
is offensive or flagrantly lewd that they expect is likely to be observed by any other non-
consenting individuals causing them alarm or affront.
- Fourth Degree Crime of Lewdness
An individual is guilty of lewdness in the fourth degree if:
o That individual exposed their intimate parts to arouse or gratify their own sexual
desires or the sexual desires of another individual with the exposure likely to be
observed by a child under the age of 13 where the actor is at least four years older
than the child in question; or
o That individual exposed their intimate parts to arouse or gratify their own sexual
desires or the sexual desires of another individual with the exposure likely to be
observed by another individual who does not understand the sexual nature of the
conduct due to mental disease or defect.
Charges for lewdness can include a variety of behaviors including public urination or intentional
exposure of the privates. If the charge is classified as a disorderly persons offense, the case will be tried
in the local Municipal Court. If the charge of lewdness is upgraded to a Fourth Degree Crime based on
the criteria outlined above, it is considered an indictable criminal charge and the case will be heard
at the Superior Court in the county where the act occurred. If you are facing lewdness charges, our
experienced attorneys will examine all the facts of your case and combat these criminal charges with a
comprehensive defense strategy. Contact the Law Offices of Herbert I. Ellis, P.C., for your consultation in
our offices in Freehold, New Jersey.
