In Montgomery County, public lewdness is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying up to 3 years in jail and sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate). A public lewdness lawyer Montgomery County can challenge the evidence and seek alternatives to conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines public lewdness as intentionally exposing genitals, engaging in sexual acts, or committing indecent exposure in a public place where others are present and likely to be offended. The offense is classified as a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-101. A conviction can result in up to 3 years of incarceration, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. The public lewdness lawyer near me Montgomery County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the serious consequences of this charge and works to protect your rights.
For the official statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-101 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
- Arrest or citation issued by Montgomery County police.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail determination.
- Arraignment at District Court of MD for Montgomery County, 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Pretrial motions and discovery, including challenging the sufficiency of evidence.
- Negotiation with the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County for PBJ or dismissal.
- Trial or plea hearing before a judge.
In Montgomery County, public lewdness carries up to 3 years in jail, fines up to $2,500, and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Lewdness | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Sex offender registration; probation; community service; counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and firm-wide 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas (93%+ favorable outcome rate). Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County builds cases.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. She represents clients in Montgomery County District Court and Circuit Court.
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, provides secondary oversight on complex public lewdness cases. His background as a former prosecutor and his 120+ years of combined firm experience ensure strong representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and Probation Before Judgment dispositions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location is near the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for public lewdness in Montgomery County?
Yes. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors in Montgomery County District Court. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record, which is critical because a conviction triggers sex offender registration. After successful probation, the case can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Q: Does public lewdness require sex offender registration in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction for public lewdness under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-101 triggers mandatory sex offender registration in Maryland. Registration lasts 10 years for a first offense and can be longer for subsequent offenses. Avoiding conviction through PBJ or dismissal avoids registration.
Q: What is the difference between public lewdness and indecent exposure in Maryland?
Public lewdness under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-101 involves intentional exposure or sexual acts in public. Indecent exposure is a separate offense under § 11-107. Both carry similar penalties, but public lewdness often involves more explicit conduct and carries mandatory sex offender registration.
Q: How long do I have to wait to expunge a public lewdness charge in Montgomery County?
It depends. If the case was dismissed or resulted in a Nolle Prosequi, you can expunge immediately. If you received PBJ, you must wait 3 years after the probation period ends. A conviction for public lewdness cannot be expunged under current Maryland law.
Q: Can I get a public lewdness charge dismissed in Montgomery County?
Yes. Dismissal is possible if the evidence is weak, if there was no intent to offend, or if the location was not truly public. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County may also agree to a Nolle Prosequi or Stet docket. An affordable public lewdness lawyer Montgomery County can evaluate your case for dismissal opportunities.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.