Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Long Island Public Lewdness Lawyer (PL 245.00, 245.01)
Public lewdness (PL 245.00) is a class B misdemeanor in New York, and exposure of a person (PL 245.01) is a violation. Both charges are embarrassing and can affect your job and family, but most first-time cases can be resolved without a criminal record. On Long Island, these cases are heard at the Suffolk County First District Court in Central Islip or the Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead. Richard Hochhauser is a former Nassau County prosecutor who handles these cases quietly and works toward a dismissal or a sealed outcome.
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24/7
We answer calls after an arrest
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We handle these cases discreetly
Charged with public lewdness on Long Island?
Call before your first court date. We answer 24/7, and the first consultation is free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
Public lewdness arrests on Long Island
We reviewed two years of arraignment records from the Nassau County and Suffolk County district courts. About 90 people were charged with public lewdness, exposure or a related Article 245 offense, and most of those cases were in Suffolk County. Several of our recent Suffolk cases began with arrests at commuter park-and-ride lots.
Public lewdness vs. exposure: what’s the difference?
| Charge | What the prosecution must prove | Level and maximum sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure of a person (PL 245.01) | Appearing in a public place with private or intimate parts of the body exposed. Exceptions apply, such as breastfeeding. | Violation, not a crime: up to 15 days in jail |
| Public lewdness (PL 245.00) | Intentionally exposing private or intimate parts in a lewd manner, or committing another lewd act, in a public place or where you can readily be seen from a public place, intending to be seen | Class B misdemeanor: up to 3 months in jail |
| Public lewdness, 1st degree (PL 245.03) | A lewd exposure by a person 19 or older to a child under 16, intended to alarm or seriously annoy the child, or public lewdness within a year of a prior conviction | Class A misdemeanor: up to 364 days in jail |
A violation is not a crime. A conviction for exposure of a person, or a reduction to disorderly conduct, does not give you a criminal record, and the file is sealed.
Defenses in public lewdness cases
Location
Was it a “public place”?
The law requires a public place, or private premises where you could readily be seen from one. A closed car, a private area or a location out of view may not qualify.
Intent
Was it lewd and intentional?
Public lewdness requires intentional exposure in a lewd manner and, in many cases, intent to be seen. Accidental exposure or urinating outdoors is not the same offense.
Observation
What did the officer actually see?
Many cases rest on one officer’s observations at night or from a distance. Lighting, angles and the officer’s position all matter.
Police conduct
How was the arrest made?
We review how the police approached, whether any statements were taken properly, and whether the stop was lawful.
How these cases usually end
ACD
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. If you stay out of trouble for the adjournment period, the case is dismissed and sealed. Some courts require a short class or counseling first.
Reduced to a violation
A plea to exposure of a person or disorderly conduct is not a crime and is sealed.
Conditional discharge
A plea with no jail or probation, as long as you meet the conditions set by the court.
Dismissal
Charges can be dismissed if the evidence doesn’t meet the legal requirements.
Recent public lewdness results
ACD
Public lewdness, park-and-ride lot
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. The case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
ACD
Public lewdness, park-and-ride lot
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. After the client completed a short class, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
ACD
Public lewdness, park-and-ride lot
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. A third client charged after a park-and-ride arrest also received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Conditional discharge
Public lewdness, park-and-ride lot
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. The case resolved with a conditional discharge: no jail and no probation.
More results: our successful cases.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What to do after a public lewdness arrest
- Don’t discuss the case with the police, coworkers or on social media.
- Keep your paperwork. Your desk appearance ticket shows the court, the date and the charge code.
- Call a lawyer before the first court date. Early contact with the prosecutor can open the door to an ACD.
- Ask us about the next steps. Some courts offer a dismissal after a short class, and starting early can shorten the case.
Public lewdness: frequently asked questions
Is public lewdness a misdemeanor in New York?
Yes. Public lewdness under PL 245.00 is a class B misdemeanor with a maximum of 3 months in jail. Exposure of a person under PL 245.01 is a violation, which is not a crime.
What is the difference between public lewdness and exposure of a person?
Exposure of a person means being unclothed in a public place. Public lewdness requires more: an intentional exposure in a lewd manner, or another lewd act, in public or where you can readily be seen. Public lewdness is a crime; exposure is a violation.
Can a public lewdness charge be dismissed or sealed?
Often, yes. Many first-time cases end in an ACD, which is dismissed and sealed, or in a reduction to a violation such as disorderly conduct, which is also sealed and doesn’t create a criminal record.
Will a public lewdness charge make me register as a sex offender?
An ACD, a dismissal or a reduction to a non-sex-offense violation such as disorderly conduct does not require registration. Whether a conviction could affect registration depends on the exact charge and your history, which we review at the consultation.
Can I be charged for something that happened in my car?
Yes, if you could readily be seen from a public place. Whether you could actually be seen, and whether you intended to be seen, are often the key issues in these cases.
How much does a public lewdness lawyer cost on Long Island?
We charge a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation.
Talk to a former prosecutor today
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Our Offices
Garden City Office
1225 Franklin Ave #325
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 939-1529
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During what was one of the scariest times of my life, he gave me all of the knowledge and support possible to help me get through it. Not only did I end up getting a great outcome for my case, but Richard helped make it a very smooth process and was always there when I had...
Mr. Hochausser worked hard on my behalf.. so hard that he achieved what seemed impossible. He always communicated with me honestly and earnestly, which is rare in any profession these days. He was prepared and forthright every step of the way. I hope to never need his services...
Best Criminal Attorney in New York. Richard explains each detail slowly and carefully so it’s easily understood. He handles each case as if it’s the most important. Highly recommend!
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