Being charged with public indecency in Georgia can be both stressful and confusing. The law under OCGA Public Indecency (§ 16-6-8) covers a wide range of conduct, and you may not have realized your actions crossed a legal line. Whether this is your first encounter with the justice system or you have prior experience, understanding the charge and your options is critical.
This post breaks down what public indecency means in Georgia, what consequences you may face, and what to do next.
Under Georgia Code § 16-6-8, a person commits public indecency when they do any of the following in a public place:
The key element here is that the act takes place in a public place. That includes streets, parks, and even jails or correctional facilities.
You don’t need to be fully undressed or engaged in explicit conduct for this charge to apply. The language of the law is broad, and police often interpret it aggressively.
These may seem minor or even harmless to some, but under Georgia law, they can result in criminal charges.
For most people, a charge under OCGA §16-6-8 is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
However, if you are convicted three or more times for violations involving lewd exposure, partial nudity, or fondling (subsections 2-4), the charge becomes a felony punishable by:
That means even what seems like a petty or embarrassing charge can carry long-term consequences if not handled correctly.
Generally, public indecency does not require sex offender registration in Georgia unless the behavior involves a child or is linked to other charges. But that does not mean it will not affect your reputation, employment, or housing.
If you are arrested or cited for public indecency, you have rights:
Many people feel tempted to explain what happened to try and talk their way out of it. But doing so without legal guidance could hurt your case.
A public indecency charge can be subjective. What one person considers lewd or indecent might not seem that way to another. A strong defense often involves:
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we dig into the facts and work to present your case in the strongest possible light.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can stay on your record and impact your future. You deserve the chance to fight the charge.
Yes. Depending on your record and the facts of your case, we may be able to:
Our firm’s job is to protect your record, your freedom, and your peace of mind.
Public indecency charges often feel embarrassing. That can lead people to rush into court without a plan. But every word you say in court—or to the prosecutor—can be used against you.
An experienced attorney can:
Whether this is your first brush with the law or not, our team will take your case seriously.
If you’ve been charged under OCGA Public Indecency §16-6-8, don’t panic—and don’t plead guilty without understanding your options. We’ll help you make the right moves now so this charge doesn’t define your future.
Call J. Ryan Brown Law today. Your defense starts with one conversation.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
