Public Urination Laws and Penalties

Having a criminal record, even if the crime you’re convicted for doesn’t seem like a serious one, can have lifelong effects. So if you’re charged with a crime related to public urination, don’t think that it isn’t a big deal. You could end up in jail or paying a hefty fine. And being convicted of any crime could hurt your chances of getting a job or professional license many years from now.

State and Local Laws on Public Urination

Public urination is illegal under both state and local laws.

Some states have statutes that expressly prohibit public urination. If they don’t, the behavior can still be a crime, often punished as disorderly conduct or creating a public nuisance. Usually, people are arrested not just for public urination but for other disruptive behavior (often involving intoxication) in public that has attracted the attention of the police.

Very rarely, people are charged with the more serious crime of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor that generally requires “lewd” behavior. Conviction for any sex-related crime can mean you will be required to register as a sex offender.

Many city and county criminal ordinances prohibit public urination. A typical ordinance might prohibit urination “on any street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, park, beach public building or public facility, or any place open to the public or exposed to public view.” An ordinance with this kind of wording prohibits urination even on private property, if it’s visible from a public place.

Criminal Penalties for Conviction

State law usually classifies disorderly conduct and similar crimes as misdemeanors, which are less serious offenses. Penalties for a misdemeanor may include incarceration in county jail (for up to a year), payment of a fine, and community service. Penalties will be more severe if you’ve been convicted of prior offenses. Whatever the penalty, you’ll have a criminal record that may haunt you later, when you try to get a job, rent an apartment, or apply for a professional license.

Violations of local ordinances are generally punishable by fines, community service, or both. Local governments set the amounts of the fines. A typical fine might be from $50 to $500, depending on the circumstances.

If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge related to public urination, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced local criminal law attorney who’s familiar with how these kinds of cases are handled where you live. You may be able to get the charge reduced or even eliminated.