New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

There are a number of acts that may be considered "lewd conduct" under New Jersey law. The type of act, the age of the alleged victim, and the criminal history of the defendant could affect the nature and the severity of the charges. All lewd act charges could have serious ramifications for defendants in social and professional realms, not to mention the potential for jail time and hefty fines.

According to New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:14-4: "A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed." There are circumstances that could elevate a lewd act from a disorderly persons offense.

It is a fourth-degree crime if an individual "exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a child who is less than 13 years of age where the actor is at least four years older than the child."

Individuals charged with committing a lewd act can experience social and professional consequences even if the charges are dropped. It is important for anyone facing these types of charges to take the necessary steps to protect their reputation and future.

The NJ lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience fighting lewd conduct and other disorderly persons cases. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with lewd conduct after he allegedly offended a woman on a train. According to The Jersey Journal, the incident occurred on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail in Bayonne. Officials say the man made eye contact with a 50-year-old woman while reaching into his pants. The man was described to the authorities before being tracked down and “positively identified” by the woman. He has been charged with committing a lewd act in New Jersey and was sent to the Hudson County jail.

There are a number of acts under New Jersey Code 2C:14-4 that may be considered lewd. “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” This means that a lewd act is only an offense when someone is affronted or alarmed by the act. In other words, there must be a victim for a lewd act to result in a disorderly persons offense.

In some cases, a lewd act conviction may result in the individual being labeled as a sex offender. All sex crimes charges must be taken seriously and vigorously fought in court by an experienced criminal defense attorney, for the consequences and penalties for being convicted of such a crime can be severe.

The Princeton lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to fight the criminal charges made against our clients. If you have been charged with lewd conduct or any other disorderly persons or criminal charge in New Jersey, do not hesitate to call our law offices at 609-240-0040. It is the first step you can take to protect your reputation and your future.

A 28-year-old man from Burlington County has been charged after allegedly exposing himself while trespassing. According to a news report in The Gloucester County Times, the incident took place on Prospect Avenue in Gloucester Township. The man was found on the back deck of a house owned by people he did not know. Officials say the man exposed himself to the police when they arrived. He has been charged with trespassing and lewdness in New Jersey.

New Jersey Statute 2C:14-4 states: “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” A lewd act in New Jersey can be elevated from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth degree crime if the alleged victim is a child or someone suffering from a mental illness.

A New Jersey lewd conduct charge may seem like a minor offense, but one must consider both the criminal and social ramifications of these allegations. It could affect the defendant's chance of obtaining gainful employment, in addition to several other serious social consequences. Anyone charged with a lewd act in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance to help protect their reputation and their future.

The skilled New Jersey lewd conduct attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of lewd act and trespassing cases. We put our knowledge and years of experience to work to help our clients who are facing these serious charges. If you or a loved one is facing a disorderly persons charge in New Jersey, please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no-cost.

A 35-year-old man from Cherry Hill has been arrested for attempted criminal lewdness after allegedly exposing himself online. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, officials say the man thought he was exposing himself to a 12-year-old girl, but the person was actually an undercover detective. The man faces multiple charges, including attempted endangering the welfare of a child and attempted aggravated sexual assault.

According to New Jersey Code 2C:14-4: “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” This charge becomes a felony if the person who observes the act is less than 13 years of age.

There are a number of circumstances that may result in a wrongful allegation of lewd conduct in New Jersey. Common defenses in such cases include mistaken identities, ulterior motives, misunderstandings, and entrapment. Anyone who is facing charges related to an alleged lewd act would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney who has experience handling similar cases successfully.

The Princeton lewd conduct lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling the sex crimes charges made against our clients in New Jersey. We understand the seriousness of the allegations and the many dire consequences our clients face if convicted of the charges. Call us directly at 609-240-0040 to discuss the specifics of your case and to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.

There are many serious penalties that may result from an act of lewd behavior in New Jersey. The severity of the penalties a defendant will face is related to what the act was, the age of the alleged victim and the criminal history of the defendant. Even in cases that do not result in a conviction, an allegation of lewd conduct can result in irrevocable damage to one's reputation.

Lewd conduct or lewd behavior is a general term that may be applied to a number of indecent acts. An example of a lewd act includes exposing or touching one's genitals for arousal in a public location. To be convicted with lewd conduct, a person must know that others are present and witnessing the act and expect them to be alarmed or offended. The resulting penalties for this type of offense may include jail time, fines, a mark on your record and, in some cases, mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Additional penalties that are not enforced by the court include permanent damage to one's social and professional life. Being charged with a lewd act may result in the loss of your job or may jeopardize your chances to obtain gainful employment. The consequences of such a conviction are very real and serious for individuals who work with children. Parents and employers alike are less likely to work with someone who has been convicted of lewd conduct.

The experienced Princeton lewd conduct defense attorneys Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect your rights and your precious reputation. If you or a loved one is facing an allegation of lewd conduct in New Jersey, please do not take it lightly. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost. We will review you case for free and help you begin building your defense.

It is illegal to expose yourself in public in the state of New Jersey. There are nuances to this law and it is important to understand exactly what the law defines as lewd behavior or lewd conduct. Anyone facing serious disorderly person offenses because of alleged lewd behavior would be well-advised to speak to a skilled attorney. There are a number of potential actions an attorney can take to have the charges lessened or dismissed.

New Jersey Statute 14-4 states: “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” The statute also states that it is illegal to expose yourself for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

Exposing yourself in public is not automatically a crime. The prosecution must prove in such cases that the lewd behavior was witnessed by an observer who was offended or traumatized by the act. Lewd conduct in New Jersey involves an act of exposure for the purposes of offending or alarming someone. Lewd conduct charges can be dropped if the act was committed without the knowledge of a person present. If the defendant was not aware that someone was in the area or that someone would be offended, the charges can be dismissed.

Disorderly conduct charges on a criminal record can affect someone’s ability to get and maintain employment. It is important to face these serious charges with a reputed criminal defense attorney. The experienced New Jersey lewd conduct defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended the rights of those facing disorderly persons charges for many years. If you have been accused of lewd conduct in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at no cost.

Lewd conduct is a serious crime in New Jersey. There are many potential ways to be charged with lewd conduct and they all can result in serious penalties and fines. If you are facing lewd conduct charges in New Jersey, it is important that you fight the charges with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

New Jersey Statute 2C:14-4 states: “A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.” This means that not only must the prosecution prove that an act was committed, but also that the lewd act was knowingly committed in front of someone.

Many lewd conduct cases in New Jersey arise out of mistaken identities and misunderstanding. It is important to fight these allegations because the penalties for a lewd conduct conviction can be very severe. A disorderly person’s offense may result in up to six months in prison as well as a $1,000 fine. If the charges result in a fourth-degree conviction, the alleged offender may face up to 18 months in prison with a $10,000 fine.

The New Jersey lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled many criminal defense cases in the state of New Jersey. We will fight for the dismissal of the lewd conduct charges or for the reduction of charges. If you are facing charges of lewd conduct in New Jersey, please call our law office at 609-240-0040 for a free case evaluation.

A 38-year-old woman faces multiple charges in South Brunswick after allegedly stealing from the home in which she was hired to care for a disabled toddler. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the nurse from Perth was arrested for lewdness, theft and child endangerment. The parents of the child installed cameras to watch the activities of the nurse. Police believe that the nurse stole food, books, clothing and alcohol. It is unclear from the report in what ways she may have endangered the child.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer will look at every specific charge to determine if the charges can be dismissed or reduced. Theft from a place of employment, for example, may be wrongfully charged to someone unaware that his or her actions are unacceptable. If someone believes that they have a right to whatever they took from their place of work, the theft charges should be reduced or thrown out completely.

Lewd conduct in New Jersey is also a complicated crime that is often mistakenly charged after a misunderstanding. Under New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C:14-4, "A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other non-consenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed." This means that the defendant must be aware of his or her behavior being unacceptable.

Anyone facing multiple misdemeanor or felony charges would be well advised to call the reputed New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. We will help you build your defense and we’ll make sure that your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling 609-240-0040.

A lewd conduct charge in New Jersey can alter a person’s life forever. Lewd conduct is a very broad sex offense charge and someone who faces this accusation may find themselves scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what they should do next. A lewd conduct allegation can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the situation’s circumstances. If the lewd act was committed in public or involved a minor, the New Jersey courts may impose harsher penalties, including registering as a sex offender. Other consequences for lewd conduct include prison sentences, probation, fines, and counseling.

If a person is forced to register as a sex offender because of conviction for lewd conduct, they face not only the difficulties of finding a job or buying a home, but also face the harsh stigma that comes with being known as a sex offender. New Jersey’s sex offender registry was designed to inform the public of sex offenders who live and work in their communities. Life can be extremely difficult for someone whose name is on this registry, particularly if they did not commit the sex crime. An aggressive and experienced attorney can help someone facing lewd conduct charges in New Jersey understand their legal rights and depending on the circumstances of the case, may be able to get the sex crime charges lessened or dropped completely.

If you have been accused of lewd conduct in New Jersey, contact the Princeton lewd conduct defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. For many years we have handled a high number of successful criminal defense cases and will utilize every resource necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for your sex crime case. To learn more about your legal options following a lewd conduct charge in New Jersey, call our law office today at 1-609-240-0040 to learn how we can help you.

The recent arrest of a man in Virginia for indecent exposure has left many citizens across the U.S. with different reactions as to what characterizes intentional and accidental exposure of one’s private parts when in the confines of one’s own home. According to a northjersey.com article, Fairfax police are saying that the man “wanted to be noticed…positioning himself so that the mother and child would see him not once, but twice.” The accused man claims that he never saw the 45-year-old woman and her 7-year-old child as they walked by his suburban house and spotted him in the nude through the window. Nevertheless, if the man is convicted, he may face a sentence of up to one year in jail for indecent exposure.

It is clear that this case may present some complex issues given the often blurred separating, or differing interpretations, of what constitutes private and public space, especially in instances where the windows of a house may not have blinds or curtains to hide inside activity from the outside.

Continue reading "Man Charged with Indecent Exposure for Being Nude in his House" »

In New Jersey, lewdness is codified under 2C:14-4 and states as follows:

1. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he does any flagrantly lewd and offensive act which he knows or reasonably expects is likely to be observed by other nonconsenting persons who would be affronted or alarmed.
2. A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if:

1. He exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a child who is less than 13 years of age where the actor is at least four years older than the child.
2. He exposes his intimate parts for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person under circumstances where the actor knows or reasonably expects he is likely to be observed by a person who because of mental disease or defect is unable to understand the sexual nature of the actor’s conduct.


3. As used in this section, “lewd acts” shall include the exposing of the genitals for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the actor or of any other person.

Lewdness cases are very fact specific and it is absolutely imperative that you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. For example, more than nudity is required to prove a case of lewdness. To convict a person of disorderly persons lewdness, the prosecutor must prove a lewd or offense act that the defendant knows or reasonably anticipates is likely to be observed by a person who would be affronted or alarmed by the conduct.

The mental element accompanying the defendant’s act is a critical part of the offense. For example, in State v Zeidell, the defendant, charged with public masturbation on a boardwalk, claimed that he had lowered his pants to scratch a rash. The court held that if he had testified to that intent, the State could have replied with evidence of a prior similar incident and lewdness charge to show that he intended to be observed by a non consenting person who would be affronted by his conduct.

If you have been charged with lewdness in New Jersey, contact an attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein immediately for a free consultation.