Dallas Public Lewdness Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Dallas Public Lewdness Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Dallas Public Lewdness attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. As you can see from our website, our award-winning attorneys have significant experience, and we have the victories to prove our effectiveness.

To safeguard the public’s right to live in peace, the Texas judicial system enforces laws designed to prevent individuals from engaging in public behaviors that might be disruptive or offensive. These regulations particularly target involvement in sexually explicit conduct. When someone breaches these laws, they can be charged with public lewdness.

An act intended as a harmless prank or a spontaneous romantic gesture can lead to severe consequences if it crosses into public lewdness. Being charged with public lewdness can result in hefty fines and potential imprisonment, repercussions that could impact the rest of your life.

Under Texas Penal Code §21.07, an individual can face charges of public lewdness for committing any of the following acts in a public setting:

• Sexual intercourse
• Deviate sexual intercourse
• Sexual contact
• Any act that involves contact between a person’s genitals or mouth and an animal’s genitals or anus

Additionally, if an individual engages in any of these acts in a private setting but acts recklessly regarding the presence of another person who might be offended by these actions, they can also be charged with public lewdness.

Being convicted of a sex offense like Public Lewdness can change your life in many negative ways. Don’t talk with the police or sign a plea agreement without first consulting with the Dallas sex offense attorneys at Saputo Toufeixs | Criminal Defense. The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team represents clients who are seeking the top attorneys in the field. Accordingly, our attorneys have made consistently outstanding legal representation the hallmark of our boutique criminal defense practice.

We’re not just Dallas Public Lewdness lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. When you are facing a criminal prosecution, you have a lot to worry about. Accordingly, our Dallas Public Lewdness attorney representation does not stop at the Dallas courthouse door.

A conviction for any sex crime can profoundly affect your employment, personal relationships, and social interactions. If you’re facing a Dallas Public Lewdness case, both your freedom and your reputation are at risk. Accordingly, the lawyers at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense aim to not only win your case, but also keep your name out of the media. Given the severity of such charges, it is crucial to work with a skilled defense attorney who can safeguard your legal rights. A Public Lewdness defense attorney can assist by collecting evidence to counter the charge. To secure a conviction on Public Lewdness, the prosecutor must demonstrate that you deliberately engaged in a sexual act in public or were careless about conducting sexual activities in a manner that could offend or alarm others. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Public Lewdness case to counter the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Contact a Dallas
Public Lewdness Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Dallas Public Lewdness Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Public Lewdness charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?

In order to get a Public Lewdness charge dropped in Dallas, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §21.07.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Public Lewdness, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Public Lewdness statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Public Lewdness statute in detail on the Public Lewdness offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Public Lewdness cases in Dallas.

What does a Public Lewdness charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Public Lewdness, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly engages in any of the following acts in a public place or, if not in a public place, the person is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by the person‘s:

(1) act of sexual intercourse;

(2) act of deviate sexual intercourse; or

(3) act of sexual contact.

What’s the difference between Public Lewdness and Indecent Exposure?

People often mix up the charges of Public Lewdness and Indecent Exposure. Although similar, these offenses have distinct definitions under Texas law. Public Lewdness involves knowingly engaging in a sexual act, such as sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or bestiality, in public or in front of someone who does not consent. This charge may also include any “deviate sexual act” in public, like oral or anal sex.

Conversely, Indecent Exposure refers to intentionally exposing one’s genitals or anus with the aim to arouse or gratify someone sexually. Under Texas law, Indecent Exposure is generally considered a less severe offense than Public Lewdness and carries lighter penalties.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Dallas that Make Public Lewdness Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Public Lewdness in Dallas. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas that most typically make Public Lewdness arrests include:

• The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department handles Public Lewdness cases throughout Dallas County.
• Dallas Police Department serves as the primary municipal police department within Dallas County and plays a significant role in Public Lewdness enforcement.
• Irving Police Department also contributes to investigating Public Lewdness cases within its jurisdiction in Dallas County.
• Mesquite Police Department serves the community of Mesquite within Dallas County and may handle Public Lewdness cases within its jurisdiction.
• Grand Prairie Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Grand Prairie and contributes to investigating Public Lewdness cases within its jurisdiction.

How do Dallas Public Lewdness defense lawyers beat a Public Lewdness case?

To beat a Public Lewdness charge in Dallas, Texas, you must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Dallas Public Lewdness attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Dallas Public Lewdness Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Dallas Public Lewdness case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Dallas Public Lewdness attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Dallas District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.

But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Public Lewdness case in Dallas, Texas?

Attorney’s fees for a Public Lewdness charge typically range from $4,000 to $10,000 in Dallas, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Dallas Public Lewdness lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Dallas, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Public Lewdness in Dallas

Even when falsely accused of Public Lewdness, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Dallas District Attorney has charged you with Public Lewdness, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Dallas Public Lewdness attorneys.

How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after a Public Lewdness arrest?

Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.

If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.

Your Dallas Public Lewdness attorney will handle this process.

We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.

What happens at a Dallas arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Dallas judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Dallas, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Public Lewdness, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Dallas judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Dallas Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Dallas Public Lewdness charge in Dallas?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Public Lewdness convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Public Lewdness as a Class A misdemeanor, or if the actor is civilly committed as a sexually violent predator, a third degree felony.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Public Lewdness here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Dallas Public Lewdness cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Dallas Public Lewdness attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Public Lewdness conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

Can I fight the sex offender registration requirements?

Under Texas law, individuals convicted of Public Lewdness typically are not required to register as sex offenders. However, there are notable exceptions. For instance, if the act of Public Lewdness involved a minor under the age of 17, the individual convicted will likely need to register as a sex offender. Furthermore, repeated convictions for Public Lewdness may also necessitate sex offender registration, even if all involved parties were consenting adults.

How do these cases typically work?

Under the law, “public” typically refers to places such as restaurants, parks, alleys, common areas of apartment complexes, and stores. In some instances, accusations of public lewdness may arise after an undercover officer surveys what they consider to be a suspect area. For instance, an undercover officer, while posing as a customer at a gentleman’s club, might allege public lewdness by a performer there.

Furthermore, the prosecutor may argue that sexual acts in private locations like a car, home, office, bathroom, or hotel room could be considered public if the sexual activity was visible to the public.

If you’re facing public lewdness charges after a private sexual act, securing a skilled defense lawyer is crucial. They can compile evidence to demonstrate that you either did not intend for your sexual activities to be visible to the public or took appropriate measures to ensure privacy. For instance, an attorney might argue that you were not reckless if you conducted a sexual act in your own yard behind a privacy fence, and someone had to climb over the fence to see you.

Additionally, a proficient public lewdness defense attorney can guide you through interactions with law enforcement and court proceedings. Their advice is vital in helping you communicate effectively, preventing misunderstandings or accidental self-incrimination.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Dallas Public Lewdness lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Dallas Public Lewdness attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Paul Saputo is an excellent attorney who really goes above and beyond for his client, I’d trust him with anything, do not hesitate to call him.

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §21.07.