Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
An indecent liberties with a child charge in Bergen County is a severe second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3, punishable by 5-10 years in prison and Megan’s Law registration. If you are accused, you need an experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm has handled sensitive cases in the Bergen Vicinage.
Understanding Indecent Liberties Charges in New Jersey
The crime of “indecent liberties with a child” is formally defined under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3. This law makes it a crime for a person 18 years or older to commit an act of sexual contact with a child under the age of 16, where the actor is at least four years older than the child. The statute is part of New Jersey’s full sexual assault code and is treated with extreme seriousness by prosecutors in Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and forms are managed by the Superior Court, Bergen Vicinage.
The Bergen County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Indecent liberties cases in Bergen County are prosecuted in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court in Hackensack. The process is complex and moves quickly after an arrest or indictment. Prosecutors in this vicinage are aggressive in pursuing these charges, and early intervention by a skilled child sex offense defense lawyer Bergen County is critical to protect your rights and begin building a defense.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a judge for a detention hearing, where the state may argue to hold you without bail.
- Indictment: A grand jury will review the evidence to decide if the case proceeds to trial.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney will engage in discovery, review evidence, and attend status conferences with the judge and prosecutor.
- Motion Practice: Key pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are often filed at this stage.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which includes mandatory Megan’s Law registration.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in NJ
In Bergen County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child as a second-degree crime carries a state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, with the No Early Release Act (NERA) requiring 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (NERA applies) | Up to $150,000 | N/A | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration (Tier 2 or 3), Parole Supervision for Life, No contact with victim, Possible loss of professional licenses, Immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for 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 understand the high stakes and sensitive nature of indecent liberties charges. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts of your case, challenging the prosecution’s evidence at every turn to protect your future.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in sensitive cases. In a Maryland child pornography possession case, we secured a disposition of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, with 5 years of supervised probation. In another Maryland case involving promotion/distribution charges, the prosecution entered a nolle prosequi (decision to drop the charge).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack, accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need an indecent liberties charge lawyer Bergen County, 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.
We serve clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered “indecent liberties” in New Jersey?
It is sexual contact by someone 18 or older with a child under 16, where the age difference is at least 4 years. The contact does not need to involve force; the child’s age alone makes the act illegal under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3.
Is indecent liberties with a child a felony in NJ?
Yes. It is classified as a second-degree crime, which is New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony. A conviction mandates state prison time and lifelong sex offender registration under Megan’s Law.
Can indecent liberties charges be dropped?
It depends. Charges can be dismissed if the defense successfully challenges the evidence, proves a lack of probable cause, or demonstrates flaws in the investigation. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Bergen County can identify these weaknesses and file the necessary pre-trial motions to seek a dismissal.
What are the long-term consequences of a conviction?
A conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender, which affects where you can live and work. You will also be under Parole Supervision for Life, face severe restrictions on internet use, and may lose professional licenses and child custody rights.
Should I speak to the police if I’m accused?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Anything you say can be misconstrued and will be used against you. Your first call should be to a child sex offense defense lawyer Bergen County.
What defenses are available?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, false allegations, lack of criminal intent, challenging the credibility of witnesses, and suppressing illegally obtained evidence. The specific strategy depends entirely on the unique facts of your case.
Related Practice Areas: For other legal issues in Bergen County, see our pages on federal criminal defense and DUI defense.
More New Jersey Help: For assistance in other counties, visit our New Jersey civil litigation hub or pages for Atlantic County and Burlington County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.