Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Mercer County, NJ
A charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Mercer County is a second-degree felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b), carrying up to 10 years in prison and lifetime Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for this severe child sex offense.
What Is 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b). This statute makes it a crime for a person who has custodial authority over a child under 18 to engage in any lewd or lascivious act upon or with the body of that child with the intent of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. The law is designed to protect children from abuse by those entrusted with their care, such as parents, guardians, teachers, or coaches. The act does not require physical penetration; touching, exposure, or other sexual conduct can constitute the offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 2C:14-3. Court procedures and filings for Mercer County are handled by the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage located at 175 South Broad Street, Trenton.
Defending a Custodian Indecent Liberties Charge in Mercer County
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian requires a precise, aggressive strategy from the outset. In the Mercer Vicinage, these cases are prosecuted vigorously. A key local procedural fact is that the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has a specialized Child Abuse Unit that handles these investigations, making early attorney intervention critical to challenge evidence and witness interviews before formal charges are filed.
- Immediate Case Assessment: Secure all evidence, including electronic communications and witness statements, to evaluate the prosecution’s initial claims.
- Challenge Custodial Status: Argue that the accused did not have legal custodial authority over the child as defined by the statute.
- Motion to Suppress: File motions to exclude any evidence obtained through unlawful search, seizure, or interrogation.
- experienced Witness Consultation: Engage medical or psychological experts to contest the nature of the alleged act or the child’s testimony.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, either negotiate for a reduced charge or prepare a vigorous trial defense focusing on intent, mistaken identity, or false accusation.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Mercer County
In Mercer County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian as a second-degree crime carries a mandatory sentence under the No Early Release Act (NERA) and lifetime parole supervision.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Registration | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years (85% served under NERA) | Up to $150,000 | Lifetime Megan’s Law | Parole for life, loss of custodial rights, professional license revocation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have handled thousands of criminal matters, developing a focused approach to defending against serious allegations like Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian. Our philosophy is “Advocacy Without Borders,” meaning we use every available legal resource to protect our clients’ rights and futures.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
Our defense strategy for a child sex offense defense lawyer Mercer County case begins with an immediate, thorough investigation. We scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence for constitutional violations, inconsistencies in witness statements, and flaws in forensic analysis. In one prior firm case involving child pornography allegations in Maryland, we secured a dismissal (Nolle Prosequi) by demonstrating critical flaws in the digital evidence chain of custody.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For charges of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, we work with investigators and experts to challenge the definition of “custodian” and the specific intent required for conviction.
Contact Our Mercer County Defense Team
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Mercer County courts. We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike, near landmarks like the Trenton state capital and Princeton University. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities throughout Mercer County including Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and Hightstown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “custodian” mean under this law?
It depends. The law defines a custodian as a person over 18 who has supervisory or disciplinary power over a child under 18 by reason of their being a parent, guardian, teacher, or having other lawful authority. This can include coaches, daycare providers, or family members. A key defense is often challenging whether this legal relationship existed at the time of the alleged act.
Is this charge different from sexual assault?
Yes. Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) is a specific crime that requires a custodial relationship and a lewd act, but not necessarily penetration, which is required for certain degrees of sexual assault. However, both are severe second-degree felonies with similar penalties including Megan’s Law registration.
Can the charge be reduced?
It depends on the evidence. An experienced custodian indecent liberties lawyer Mercer County can negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a lesser charge, such as endangering the welfare of a child, which may avoid mandatory Megan’s Law registration. Success depends on the strength of the state’s case, the defendant’s background, and the defense’s ability to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
What should I do if I am investigated for this?
Do not speak to law enforcement or child protective services without an attorney. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Mercer County. Exercise your right to remain silent. Any statements you make can be misconstrued and used against you. An attorney can intervene to guide the interaction and protect your rights from the very first contact.
Is parole possible after a conviction?
Yes, but with significant restrictions. A conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a mandatory period of parole supervision for life under New Jersey’s Megan’s Law. This means even after serving the prison sentence, you will be under strict supervision, with limitations on where you can live, work, and travel, and you must regularly report to a parole officer.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.