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 Missouri, the offense of public lewdness is typically addressed under the state's sexual misconduct and indecent exposure laws. According to Missouri statutes, a person commits the crime of sexual misconduct in the first degree if they have sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse in a public place, or are otherwise visible to the public. This also includes exposing one's genitals under circumstances that are likely to cause alarm or offense to others. Sexual misconduct in the first degree is a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the individual has previously been convicted of sexual misconduct or other related offenses, the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor. It's important to note that in certain situations, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offense, a person convicted of such acts may be required to register as a sex offender under Missouri law. The specific circumstances of the act, such as the presence of minors, can also affect the severity of the charges and penalties.