Lewd Behavior Defense

Under Wisconsin law, lewd and lascivious behavior is defined as engaging in an act of sexual gratification with one person in the presence of others or exposing one’s genitals or pubic area in public. These acts are a Class A misdemeanor. A related law bans people from creating obscene or indecent drawings or writing in public. This is considered a Class C misdemeanor.

If a person’s lewd behavior involves or is directed at a child, the consequences can be much more severe. In fact, lewd behavior with a minor is a felony offense. It is defined as an adult engaging in behavior with a child that is intended to sexually arouse either the adult or the child.

In Wisconsin, however, the law does not make “lewd acts with a minor” a specific crime. Instead our state’s legislation spells out certain sexual acts that would be considered lewd acts:

• Child enticement: Coaxing a child into a vehicle, building or room for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with them. A Class BC felony.
• Exposing genitals to a child: Exposing one genital’s or pubic area to a child, or causing the child to do so. A Class A misdemeanor.
• Exposing a child to harmful material: Exposing a child to any harmful and sexual material, narrative, or descriptive account. A Class E felony.

This crime is taken very seriously by the government and can be punished severely. Penalties include:

• Class A misdemeanor: A fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 9 months in jail
• Class E felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 5 years in jail
• Class BC felony: A fine of up to $10,000 and/or 30 years in jail

Additional penalties may be added, such as:

• Registration in a sex offender database
• Being forbidden to work or volunteer around children

Any of the charges related to lewd behavior with minors are very serious. If you have been accused of this crime, contact Milwaukee lewd behavior defense attorneys from Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595.