Gloucester County Lawyer for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Charges
The charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Gloucester County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), punishable by 5-10 years in prison and mandatory Megan’s Law registration. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris of the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, the offense of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b). This law specifically targets individuals who have custodial authority or supervision over a child under the age of 16 and engage in acts for their own sexual gratification that a reasonable person would know would impair the child’s mental or moral welfare. Unlike general sexual assault statutes, this charge hinges on the abuse of a position of trust. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor with a background in contested cases analysis, brings a critical perspective to defending against these allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources and Statutes
Understanding the exact language of the law is important for your defense. The charge is codified in the New Jersey Statutes, Title 2C, Chapter 14-3(b) (official New Jersey Legislature site). Proceedings for this indictable offense occur in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Gloucester Vicinage. These .gov resources provide the definitive legal framework governing your case.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in Gloucester County
In Gloucester County, charges for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian originate with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office. The case will proceed through a grand jury for indictment before moving to the Superior Court, Criminal Division. A key local procedural fact is that the court will order a Sex Offender Risk Assessment (SORA) prior to sentencing if a conviction occurs, which determines the tier and public notification requirements under Megan’s Law.
If you are investigated or charged, here is the general process:
- Contact a defense lawyer as early as possible before speaking with investigators.
- Your lawyer will review the allegations and evidence for constitutional or procedural flaws.
- The case will be presented to a grand jury; your attorney cannot be present but can advise you beforehand.
- If indicted, pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are filed.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or explore trial defenses.
- If the case goes to trial, a defense focused on intent, lack of evidence, or mistaken allegation will be presented.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Gloucester County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, a second-degree crime, carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years and mandatory registration under Megan’s Law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years in state prison | Up to $150,000 | Potential loss of professional licenses | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration, Community Supervision for Life, loss of custodial rights, immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sensitive Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling demanding, sensitive cases across multiple states. We understand that a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is not just a legal crisis but a personal one, threatening your reputation, family, and future. We approach each case with the diligence it demands, examining every detail from the initial investigation to the final disposition.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While we maintain a record of successful outcomes, every case is unique. Our firm-wide approach has secured favorable results in sensitive matters, including dismissals and charge reductions in cases involving allegations of child pornography and sexual abuse. In one instance, our advocacy led to a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client facing charges of promoting/distributing child pornography in Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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) 651-0900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Gloucester County courts. As a custodian indecent liberties lawyer Gloucester County residents can consult, we are accessible via I-295, Route 55, and other major highways. We provide representation to individuals in Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “custodian” mean in this New Jersey law?
It depends. The law defines a custodian as a person over 18 with legal or temporary responsibility for a child’s care, including parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or family members. The key is having supervisory authority that is abused for sexual gratification.
Is this charge the same as sexual assault?
No. While both are serious sex offenses, Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a separate statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b)) that specifically criminalizes the abuse of a custodial relationship, even if the acts do not meet the technical definition of penetration required for sexual assault.
What are the main defenses to this charge?
Defenses can include challenging the intent to gratify sexual desire, proving the accused was not in a custodial role, attacking the credibility of the evidence or witnesses, demonstrating a mistaken allegation, or filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Gloucester County can identify the best strategy for your situation.
Can I avoid prison if convicted?
It depends. New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA) requires serving 85% of a sentence for certain crimes. While this charge carries significant prison time, a skilled attorney may negotiate a plea to a lesser charge or advocate for mitigating factors at sentencing to reduce the term. However, Megan’s Law registration is typically mandatory.
Why do I need a lawyer familiar with Gloucester County courts?
Local knowledge is vital. A lawyer who knows the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office policies, the judges in the Superior Court, and the local procedures for SORA hearings can handle the system more effectively, anticipate challenges, and build a defense case-specific to the specific courtroom where your case will be heard.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these charges, you may also need information on New Jersey sex crime defense. For other legal concerns in Gloucester County, consider our pages on Gloucester County DUI defense or civil litigation. For defense in neighboring areas, see our resources for a sex crime lawyer in Camden County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Gloucester County, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Gloucester County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian defense lawyer in Virginia explains each stage.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Gloucester 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: Gloucester 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.