Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge in Union County is a serious sex offense under New Jersey law, classified as a second-degree crime carrying 5-10 years in prison and Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strategic defense for those accused. If you are facing these charges, contact an experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Union County for immediate guidance.
Understanding Indecent Liberties with a Child Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the crime commonly referred to as “indecent liberties with a child” is prosecuted under statutes prohibiting sexual contact with a minor. The specific law is N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, which defines aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault. Acts constituting indecent liberties, such as lewdness or sexual contact with a person under the age of 16, are typically charged as second-degree sexual assault or, in some circumstances, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The severity hinges on the age of the victim, the age difference, and the specific nature of the act.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures and information, visit the Union Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court.
The Court Process for a Child Sex Offense Defense Lawyer Union County
Cases in Union County are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court in Elizabeth. The process is formal and demanding. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Union County understands that prosecutors in this vicinage pursue these charges aggressively. Early intervention is critical to challenge evidence and negotiate before an indictment is secured.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney can present mitigating evidence to the prosecutor to seek a dismissal or reduced charge before the case goes to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: If the grand jury finds probable cause, a formal indictment is issued.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer will review all evidence and file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss flawed charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no fair offer is made, your attorney will prepare for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing will follow, with mandatory penalties under Megan’s Law.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties in Union County
In Union County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child as a second-degree crime carries a mandatory state prison sentence, parole supervision for life, and inclusion on the sex offender registry.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Sex Offender Registry | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Contact (Under 16, actor 4+ yrs older) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years State Prison | Up to $150,000 | Mandatory (Megan’s Law) | Parole Supervision for Life, No Contact Orders |
| Lewdness Involving a Child | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Mandatory in most cases | CP&P (DCP&P) involvement, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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 an accusation does not equal guilt, and we fight to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Our Approach to Indecent Liberties Charges
We have handled sensitive sex offense cases across our service areas. While specific results are unique to each case, our approach involves a meticulous investigation from the start. We scrutinize the credibility of the accusation, the methods used by law enforcement, and the forensic evidence. We work with experienced witnesses when necessary to challenge the prosecution’s case. Our goal is to achieve a favorable resolution, whether that is a case dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a favorable verdict at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Union County Residents
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Our firm is accessible via major highways like the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. If you are searching for an indecent liberties charge lawyer Union County near you, we offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only. We serve communities throughout Union County including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is considered “indecent liberties” with a child in NJ?
It depends. New Jersey law does not have a single statute titled “indecent liberties.” The term describes acts like lewdness or sexual contact with a minor, prosecuted under statutes for sexual assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2) or criminal sexual contact. The specific charge depends on the victim’s age, the nature of the contact, and the age difference.
Is parole supervision for life mandatory if I am convicted?
Yes. A conviction for a second-degree sexual assault charge, which covers many indecent liberties acts, carries a mandatory sentence of Parole Supervision for Life (PSL). This is a stringent form of community supervision that continues after any prison term is completed.
Can these charges be expunged from my record in New Jersey?
No. Convictions for most sex offenses requiring registration under Megan’s Law are permanently ineligible for expungement in New Jersey. This makes securing a dismissal or not guilty verdict at the outset critically important.
What should I do if I am under investigation but not yet charged?
Contact a lawyer as early as possible. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Union County can intervene during the investigation, potentially preventing charges from being filed by presenting your side of the story or challenging the evidence.
What are common defenses to an indecent liberties accusation?
Defenses can include mistaken identity, false accusation, lack of criminal intent, challenging the credibility of the alleged victim, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation. An attorney will analyze all evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your specific situation.
Related Pages: If you are facing other serious charges, you may need a federal criminal lawyer in Union County. For charges related to impaired driving, see our page for a DUI lawyer in Union County. To explore all our New Jersey services, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding indecent liberties with a child charges in Union County.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Essex County, NJ.