Connecticut Public Indecency- Lawyer Fighting Charges Under C.G.S. § 53a-186

Getting arrested for public indecency in Connecticut can feel humiliating and overwhelming. Many of my clients in these cases tell me the same thing: they never thought something so private would suddenly become a police matter. What may have been a moment of poor judgment, an innocent misunderstanding, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can quickly turn into criminal charges.

Beyond the legal penalties, the real fear for most people is the stigma. You worry about your family finding out, your employer running a background check, or the embarrassment of having your name connected to a sex-related crime. It’s important to know you’re not alone — this happens more often than people realize, and there are effective ways to fight back and protect your future.

Connecticut law defines public indecency as knowingly performing any of the following acts in a public place:

• Sexual intercourse
• A lewd exposure of the body with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire
• A lewd fondling or caress of another person
• Masturbation

A “public place” means anywhere reasonably expected to be viewed by others, including parks, cars parked in public, public bathrooms, or even semi-private spaces visible to the public.

Public indecency is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.

If convicted, you face:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Probation with counseling requirements
• A permanent criminal record that may harm jobs, licensing, or background checks

Unlike other sex-related crimes, public indecency does not require sex offender registration. Still, the embarrassment and consequences of a conviction can be severe.

1. Park Encounter – A couple engages in sexual activity in a public park after dark. A passing officer sees them and charges both with public indecency.
2. Restroom Sting – In Stamford, police conduct an undercover operation in a public restroom. An individual is accused of indecent exposure and arrested, even though no sexual act took place.
3. Car in a Parking Lot – Two adults engage in consensual intimacy in a parked car outside a shopping center. Because the car windows were not completely obscured, they are charged with public indecency.
4. Mistaken Case – A jogger stops to change a shirt in a trail parking area. Someone nearby mistakes this for indecent exposure and calls the police. This is an example of an innocent person facing unfair accusations.

• Breach of Peace – C.G.S. § 53a-181
• Disorderly Conduct – C.G.S. § 53a-182
• Risk of Injury to a Minor – C.G.S. § 53-21 (if children are alleged to be present)
• Public Lewdness (similar local ordinances)

There are many defenses available in public indecency cases:

• Lack of intent – You did not intend to act lewdly or arouse sexual desire.
• Not a public place – The location was private, not open to view by the public.
• Mistaken identity – Witness testimony is often unreliable in these cases.
• Diversionary programs – First-time offenders may qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program, which can lead to dismissal and erasure of the record.

For many clients, the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program (AR) is the best way to resolve a public indecency charge. The AR program is a court-supervised diversionary program designed for first-time offenders who are unlikely to reoffend.

If the court grants AR, you are placed under supervision for a set period (often 1–2 years). During that time, you may need to meet certain conditions, such as counseling or community service. If you successfully complete the program, your case will be dismissed and the arrest erased from your record.

Because AR is a one-time program, it’s important to use it wisely. An experienced defense lawyer can help determine whether applying for AR makes sense in your situation or whether it’s better to fight the charges directly in court.

No, it is a Class B misdemeanor, not a felony. While less serious than a felony, a conviction still carries jail time, fines, and the lasting impact of a criminal record.

No, public indecency does not require sex offender registration. However, it is still classified as a sex-related charge, and the stigma alone can create major personal and professional problems.

Yes, police can make an arrest based only on a complaint or suspicion. This is why many people face charges after misunderstandings or false reports, even without physical evidence.

Courts often treat cars in parking lots or other semi-public spaces as “public places.” If someone can reasonably see inside, you may still be charged with public indecency.

Misunderstandings are very common in these cases. An attorney can show alternative explanations and attack the credibility of the allegations.

Yes, many first-time offenders can apply for the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program. If granted and completed, the program results in dismissal and erasure of the charges.

Most cases last a few months, though applying for AR can extend the timeline. Complex cases or those heading to trial may take longer to resolve.

A lawyer can challenge weak evidence, raise legal defenses, and negotiate with prosecutors. The goal is to protect your record, minimize penalties, and work toward dismissal whenever possible.

A public indecency charge is embarrassing, but it does not have to ruin your life. With the right defense, many of these cases can be reduced, diverted, or dismissed.

📞 Call me, Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, today at (203) 357-5555 or contact me online for a free consultation. I will fight to protect your record and your future. Top of Form