California Penal Code 647a
Are you facing charges for lewd conduct in public? Violation of California Penal Code Section 647A is a misdemeanor offense. Too often, those faced with PC 647a violations make the mistake of assuming that since their case is a misdemeanor, that the penalties will not be severe, but those found guilty can spend months in jail and be ordered to pay hundreds of dollars in fines. Call a MacGregor & Collins, LLP sex crime attorney in Orange County today to obtain a free case evaluation and find out what penalties you may face.
What is CPC 647A?
Anyone who knowingly commits lewd acts in public, with the motive of sexual arousal, and or offending spectators could be found guilty of violating California Penal Code 647a.
In order to prosecute for CPC 647A lewd conduct in public, state prosecutors have the burden to prove you are guilty of:
- Intentionally touching your own or someone else’s body part (breast, buttock, privates)
- Touching was intended to gratify or arouse the sexual desires of oneself or the other person in question. It may have been carried out with the intent to upset or insult the other party too
- The touching was done in public
- It offended someone that could visibly see the offense
- The guilty party was aware that their conduct would offend someone that was present
The following could be considered an example of a CPC 647a violation:
Sami had just gone on a long date with Theresa. He drove Theresa home, tried to come in, but was politely declined. Sami walks back to his car and is about to start it and drive away when he notices that he can see in Theresa’s bedroom from his car, that she had just gone in and turned the lights on, and that she was now beginning to undress. Sami begins to become aroused and unbuttons his pants and begins to pleasure himself. A woman walking her dog notices Sami pleasuring himself in his car and calls the police. The police arrest Sami and charge him with violating PC 647 a.
What Are The Penalties for Lewd Conduct in Public?
Lewd and dissolute conduct is a misdemeanor penal code and those found guilty may face:
- Probation
- Counseling
- HIV testing
- Possible fines
- Up to six months in jail
- A thousand dollar fine
Since sexual assault is a serious offense, it is imperative to work with a skilled defense team in order to prove one’s innocence. Sexual assault accusations can take a toll on one’s reputation, career and life, so tread carefully.
Lewd Conduct Legal Defense
A conviction for lewd and dissolute conduct charges, or Penal Code 647 a, could result in expensive fines and penalties. If you are serious about fighting your charges, speaking with a MacGregor & Collins attorney may be in your best interest. We can partner with the best private detectives, forensic specialists and DNA experts to help prove your innocence. Call us today at (844) 285-9559.
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