Bergen County Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer — What Are Your Defenses?
Taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian is a serious felony in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b). A conviction can result in decades in prison, Megan’s Law registration, and parole supervision for life. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of this charge in Bergen County.
What Is the Crime of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by a Custodian?
In New Jersey, the specific statute criminalizing this act is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b). A person commits this offense if, being a parent, guardian, or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child under 16, they commit an act of sexual contact upon that child. The law defines “sexual contact” broadly, meaning an intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or gratifying the actor.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bergen County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures, visit the New Jersey Courts Criminal Case Process website.
Bergen County Court Procedures for This Charge
These cases are prosecuted as indictable crimes (felonies) in the Bergen County Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack. The process begins with a complaint and arrest, followed by a first appearance where bail conditions are set. The case then proceeds to a grand jury for indictment. Given the severity, prosecutors often seek pre-trial detention under New Jersey’s bail reform laws. A skilled custodian indecent liberties lawyer Bergen County can challenge the state’s evidence at multiple stages, including filing motions to suppress statements or evidence obtained improperly.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or upon learning of an investigation.
- Your attorney will review the complaint, police reports, and any forensic evidence.
- We will represent you at all pre-indictment hearings, including detention hearings.
- If indicted, we will engage in discovery, file pre-trial motions, and prepare a defense strategy.
- We will evaluate all options, which may include negotiating a resolution or preparing for trial.
- If convicted at trial or by plea, we provide aggressive advocacy at sentencing.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Bergen County, taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian is a crime of the second degree, carrying severe and lasting consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Megan’s Law | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian | Second Degree Crime | 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison | Up to $150,000 | Mandatory Registration (Tier 2 or 3) | Parole Supervision for Life, No Contact Orders, Loss of Custody/Parental Rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Defending Serious Charges
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that accusations of taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian are devastating, and we approach each case with a detailed, evidence-focused defense strategy.
Case Results and Defense Strategy
Our approach to defending against charges of taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian involves a multi-faceted attack on the prosecution’s case. We scrutinize the credibility of the allegations, the methods used by investigators, and the forensic evidence. We have successfully challenged cases by demonstrating improper interview techniques with children, lack of physical corroboration, and alternative explanations for alleged behavior. In one case, our pre-trial motions led to the suppression of a client’s statement, critically weakening the state’s case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Defense Team
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible to those near the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack, as well as communities like Teaneck, Fort Lee, Englewood, and Paramus. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “custodian” mean under this law?
It depends. The term extends beyond biological parents to include guardians, support parents, or any person legally charged with the care or custody of the child. It can also apply to someone who has assumed responsibility for the child’s care, even temporarily.
Can these charges be filed based solely on a child’s statement?
Yes. While corroborating evidence strengthens a prosecution, New Jersey law does not require physical evidence or an adult witness to file charges for taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian. The child’s testimony alone can be sufficient for an indictment.
Is parole supervision for life mandatory?
Yes. A conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) mandates a sentence of parole supervision for life, which imposes strict conditions on where you can live, work, and travel, and requires ongoing monitoring after prison release.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include challenging the intent element (arguing the contact was accidental or non-sexual), attacking the credibility of the allegation, proving mistaken identity, or filing motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights. A child sex offense defense lawyer Bergen County can identify the best strategy.
Should I speak to the police if they want to interview me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are trained to obtain incriminating statements.
Related Pages: New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer | New Jersey Sex Crimes Lawyer | Bergen County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding charges of taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Hudson County · Taking Indecent Liberties with a Lawyer Monmouth County.