When someone is charged with a crime against a child, it is one of the most serious and stigmatizing accusations that a person can face. Even if the person is never convicted, a simple accusation can result in reputational damage. If you have been charged with indecent liberties with a child, a Cary indecent liberties with a child lawyer at Granados Law Group can help you fight for your future. These crimes require legal assistance right away to protect your rights.
Reopened in 2023, Granados Law Group expands upon years of prior criminal defense experience. Before taking a career turn as a Wake County Domestic Violence prosecutor, attorney Lindsey Granados operated under the Granados Law Group name from 2008 to 2014. In that capacity, she learned firsthand how Wake County prosecutors approach a case, evaluate the evidence, and proceed with a trial.
Granados Law Group defends the accused’s rights by drawing on this prosecutorial background. Although our practice is in Wake County, our legal team handles misdemeanor and felony cases as well as traffic infractions all over the county. These cases are typically held in the Wake County Justice Center located at 300 South McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.
In addition, we handle expungement requests in all North Carolina counties and represent clients in federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
North Carolina General Statutes § 14-202.1 creates the offense of indecent liberties with a child. This law applies to any person who is 16 years of age or older and five or more years older than the victim, and who willfully takes or attempts to take indecent liberties with a child under 16 years of age for the purposes of sexual gratification.
This can include taking or attempting to take indecent liberties with a child or fondling or taking indecent liberties with a child’s body for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desires of either party.
Physical contact is not necessary to be charged and convicted of this Sex Crime offense. Language or actions that appear to express sexual intentions can lead to charges in some cases. The law’s wide scope makes these cases hinge on interpretations and assessments of intent and believability.
If convicted, a person can be required to register as a sex offender, which is public information. Indecent liberties with a child is a Class F felony in North C. It can also include mandatory post-release supervision and large fines.
There are 28,164 registered offenders in North Carolina as of January 2025, including those who have been charged with indecent liberties with a child. This is a rate of 268 offenders per 100,000 state residents. In Wake County, there are 844 registered sex offenders.
Indecent liberties charges have several elements that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, including intent, age elements, and that the alleged actions were unlawful. Typical defenses include:
The importance of carefully reviewing the facts and procedures in an indecent liberties with a child case is critical to reveal weaknesses and build a strong case in Cary, NC.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with indecent liberties with a child in Wake County, hire an indecent liberties with a child lawyer right away who can review the interview process for mistakes and improper behavior, as well as attack evidence that is weak.
A Cary indecent liberties with a child attorney can thoroughly review your case to ensure the elements of the statute are truly satisfied. Defense lawyers can spot contradictions in testimonies and work to exclude evidence gathered through rights violations. Your lawyer can also help you avoid early mistakes, such as self-incrimination and missed deadlines. In some cases, where a lawyer is involved early enough, they can try to stop charges from even being filed.
Yes. A conviction for indecent liberties with a child can often require registration on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. Registration can affect where you live, work, and travel for decades, significantly impacting your life. Defense teams work to eliminate or reduce registration repercussions as their primary objective in these cases.
Yes. Depending on the facts of the case, indecent liberties charges can be reduced or dismissed if the prosecution cannot prove the elements of intent, age requirements, or unlawful conduct. Weak or inconsistent evidence, improper investigative methods, or constitutional violations can also result in a dismissal or suppression of evidence. Each case needs to be thoroughly reviewed for possible defenses.
Yes. Simply being accused of a crime can affect family court proceedings, such as child custody or visitation, even if a criminal case has not been resolved. Family courts are often very protective of a child’s safety and may place temporary restrictions based on criminal charges. It is important that your criminal defense lawyer coordinate with your family law counsel to help protect your parental rights in the meantime.
After an arrest for indecent liberties, the case moves forward to initial appearance, bond, and the court hearing process. The conditions of release may include no contact with certain individuals and a travel restriction. The defense lawyer can argue for a fair and reasonable bond and file motions to attack the charges at the earliest stage after arrest, allowing the preparation of a defense to begin as soon as possible.
If you have been arrested for indecent liberties with a child, Granados Law Group can help fight for your future. Contact us today to begin protecting your rights.