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 Rhode Island, the criminal offense of public lewdness is generally covered under the state's indecent exposure and public indecency statutes. According to Rhode Island General Laws § 11-45-1, a person commits the crime of indecent exposure/disorderly conduct if they expose their genitals with the intent that they be seen by others in a public place, or in private premises under circumstances in which they may be readily observed. This behavior can include acts of sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact in public or in view of the public. Public lewdness is typically classified as a misdemeanor in Rhode Island. However, the specific circumstances of the offense, such as the presence of minors, could potentially elevate the charge. Additionally, while a conviction for public lewdness in Rhode Island does not automatically require registration as a sex offender, certain related offenses or repeated convictions could trigger such requirements under the state's sex offender registration laws.