The penalties for this charge can be serious, and depend on the facts of the case.
In the legal system, things are often described using a style of language that can be hard to understand. One example is the crime of lewd and lascivious conduct — a criminal offense that can result in severe consequences. But what exactly does it mean?
In essence, lewd and lascivious conduct is a sexual act that is offensive to community standards of decency. It involves some type of conduct that furthers an offensive sexual desire — such as sexual activity with children. According to a sex crimes defense lawyer in Riverside, CA, to be charged with lewd and lascivious conduct, your behavior must be intentional or willful, and for the purpose of arousing sexual desire.
This crime is often charged when a person engages in some sort of sexual conduct with children, although it does no have to involve children. It may include indecently exposing your genitalia, touching someone else sexually, groping, getting someone else to touch you in a sexual way, or convincing or otherwise forcing others to touch each other sexually. For example, if John is babysitting his girlfriend’s daughter, and gets her to touch his penis by promising her candy, he may be charged with lewd and lascivious conduct.
Generally, this crime does not require penetration. If physical penetration is involved, then a prosecutor will typically charge the crime as rape, sexual assault, or sexual battery. Lewd and lascivious conduct is still an incredibly serious crime — with severe consequences.
The punishment for this crime depends on the facts of the case. For example, if you engage in lewd conduct in public, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and, if convicted, sentenced to up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, if you are charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, it will be charged as a felony. As a sex crimes defense lawyer in Riverside, CA can explain, the penalty will depend on the age of the minor, whether force was used, and if bodily harm was inflicted. If the lewd acts took place with a child under the age of 14 years of age, and no force was used, then the penalty is between 3 and 8 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If force was used on a child under the age of 14, then the punishment is increased to between 5 and 10 years in prison. In addition, a habitual sex offender will be subject o harsher sanctions if convicted of this crime — 25 years to life in prison. In most cases, a conviction for lewd or lascivious conduct will require you to register as a sex offender.
Any type of sexual-based offense is treated very harshly under the law. For this reason, it is important to hire an aggressive sex crimes defense lawyer in Riverside, CA to represent you. At the Chambers Law Firm, we represent individuals charged with a range of California sex crimes. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
