Salem County Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
A charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Salem County, NJ, is a serious second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), carrying up to 10 years in prison and Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for this severe allegation.
Statutory Definition of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in New Jersey
The crime of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b). A person is guilty of 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 with that child. The law specifically targets the breach of trust inherent in the custodian-child relationship, treating it as a more severe offense than similar acts by a non-custodian.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms in Salem County, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Salem Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Charge in Salem County
In Salem Vicinage, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. The prosecution will seek severe penalties, and the case will be managed under the court’s strict criminal case management track. Given the nature of the charge, bail conditions are often restrictive.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a judge for a detention hearing. Your attorney must argue for your release with minimal conditions.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your lawyer will review discovery, challenge probable cause, and negotiate with the prosecutor before the case is presented to the grand jury.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The state will present evidence to a grand jury. A strong defense can sometimes prevent an indictment at this stage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the admissibility of statements, or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If a plea is not in your interest, your lawyer will prepare for a jury trial in the Salem County Courthouse.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney will advocate at sentencing to minimize prison time and argue against the most severe consequences of Megan’s Law.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In Salem County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian as a second-degree crime carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey state prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years state prison | Up to $150,000 | N/A | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration (Tier 2 or 3), Parole Supervision for Life, No Contact Orders, Loss of custody/visitation rights, Professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Defending Serious Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We approach each case with the understanding that a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian requires a meticulous, evidence-based defense to challenge the prosecution’s narrative from the start.
Case Results
While specific results for this charge in Salem County are not disclosed to protect client confidentiality, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in serious sex offense cases. This includes dismissals and charge reductions in cases involving child pornography and other sensitive allegations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, as the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on all major cases, ensuring every defense leverages the firm’s full resources.
Local Defense for Salem County Charges
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Salem County Courthouse. We are accessible via I-295, Route 45, and Route 49. If you need a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer near Salem, Pennsville, or Carneys Point, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “custodian” mean under this law?
It depends. The term includes parents, guardians, and any person legally charged with the care or custody of a child. It can also extend to individuals in a position of authority or trust, like a coach or teacher, if they have assumed responsibility for the child’s care.
Is this charge always a second-degree crime?
Yes, under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is specifically graded as a crime of the second degree, which carries the 5-10 year prison range. There is no lesser grading for this specific offense.
Can I be required to register as a sex offender?
Yes. A conviction for this offense mandates registration under Megan’s Law. The court will conduct a tiering hearing to determine if you are a Tier 2 (moderate risk) or Tier 3 (high risk) offender, which dictates the duration and public notification requirements.
What defenses are available?
Potential defenses include challenging the intent, disputing the alleged sexual contact, arguing mistaken identity, or proving you were not in a custodial role. A child sex offense defense lawyer Salem County can investigate the facts, scrutinize forensic interviews, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Will I go to jail before trial?
It is a strong possibility. Prosecutors routinely seek pre-trial detention. An experienced custodian indecent liberties lawyer Salem County can argue for your release at a detention hearing by presenting ties to the community, lack of prior record, and a strong defense theory.
New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer | Cumberland County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Salem County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Salem case fits into the wider process, our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Salem County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem County NJ lawyers directory · Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Bergen County · Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Hudson County · Taking Indecent Liberties with a Lawyer Monmouth County.