A person generally commits the criminal offense of public lewdness or lewd conduct in public 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; (3) act of sexual contact with a person’s own private parts or those of another.

Public lewdness laws vary from state to state, and some states define and charge such criminal offenses under indecent exposure laws. Public lewdness is usually a misdemeanor offense, but may be a felony offense under some circumstances. And in some states a conviction for public lewdness may require the defendant to register as a sex offender.

In Louisiana, the criminal offense related to public lewdness is typically referred to as 'obscene acts' and is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:106. According to this statute, it is illegal for anyone to engage in lewd or lascivious conduct in public. Specifically, acts of sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact that are conducted in public and are likely to be offensive to public decency or morals are prohibited. Violation of these laws is generally considered a misdemeanor, but the severity of the charge can escalate depending on the circumstances, such as if the act is witnessed by a minor. In some cases, depending on the nature of the offense and the defendant's criminal history, a conviction could lead to the requirement to register as a sex offender. It is important for individuals to consult with an attorney for specific legal advice and representation if they are facing charges related to public lewdness in Louisiana.