In Frederick 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 11 documented results in Frederick County. A public lewdness lawyer Frederick County can challenge the evidence and negotiate alternatives to conviction.
What Is Public Lewdness Under Maryland Law?
Maryland defines public lewdness as intentionally exposing your genitals in a public place, or engaging in a sexual act in public, with the intent to be seen by others. This offense is codified under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-107. A conviction carries up to 3 years in prison, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration for certain circumstances. The public lewdness lawyer Frederick County team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the specific elements the State must prove.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Frederick County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-107 (official Maryland General Assembly)
For more details, review the official Maryland public lewdness statute and the District Court of MD for Frederick County website.
- Contact a public lewdness lawyer Frederick County immediately after arrest or citation.
- Your attorney will request discovery from the State’s Attorney for Frederick County to review the evidence.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Frederick County, 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition.
- If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial where the State must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
- After a PBJ, you may be eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
In Frederick 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; loss of professional licenses; immigration consequences |
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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our Frederick County criminal defense team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Frederick County builds public lewdness cases.
In Frederick County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results: 4 dismissed/not guilty, 3 reduced/amended (64% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Frederick County courts, accessible via I-70, I-270, Route 15, Route 40, and Route 340. We serve Frederick, Thurmont, Brunswick, Middletown, Emmitsburg, New Market, Urbana, and Walkersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for public lewdness in Frederick County?
Yes. PBJ is available for many public lewdness cases in Frederick County District Court. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record, which is critical because a conviction triggers sex offender registration. After completing probation, you may be eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
Does public lewdness require sex offender registration in Maryland?
Yes. A conviction for public lewdness under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 11-107 triggers mandatory sex offender registration. Registration duration depends on the specific circumstances and prior record. Avoiding a conviction through PBJ or dismissal is the primary way to avoid registration.
What is the difference between public lewdness and indecent exposure in Maryland?
Public lewdness requires a sexual act or intentional exposure with intent to be seen, while indecent exposure is broader and may include unintentional exposure. Public lewdness carries harsher penalties and mandatory sex offender registration, whereas indecent exposure may not always require registration.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a public lewdness charge in Frederick County?
It depends. If you receive a PBJ, you must wait 3 years after the disposition date before filing for expungement under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220. If the case is dismissed or results in a Nolle Prosequi, you can file for expungement immediately.
Can a public lewdness charge be reduced to a lesser offense in Frederick County?
Yes. An experienced public lewdness lawyer Frederick County can negotiate with the State’s Attorney to reduce the charge to disorderly conduct or a similar lesser offense. This avoids sex offender registration and reduces potential jail time. Our firm has achieved charge reductions for clients in Frederick County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.