Indecent Liberties with a Minor is a sensitive and complex legal matter that can have far-reaching emotional and legal consequences for everyone involved. Understanding what this charge means and how the law applies can be challenging. Our goal with this article is to provide clear, accessible information to help individuals better understand their rights and the legal process, whether they are affected as victims, family members, or are facing accusations. By fostering awareness, we hope to support informed, compassionate responses in difficult circumstances.

What Exactly is a Charge for Indecent Liberties with a Minor?

Under NCGS § 14-202.1, an individual is guilty of a Indecent Liberties with a Minor when, while being 16 years or older and at least 5 years older than the victim, willfully or attempts to conduct sexually inappropriate or unlawful acts that do not involve physical sexual contact or intercourse but are still considered criminally and morally offensive. In North Carolina, this crime is punishable as a Class F felony. Class F felonies are punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 10-59 months, as well as monetary fines and a requirement to register as a sex offender in the state of North Carolina.

Does This Charge Extend into Schools, Where My Child Spends Most of Their Time?

Yes, another form of Indecent Liberties is when the situation involves a school or the school system. In recent news, cases of this nature have risen in number. The assuring part is that there is legal recourse to this crime within the confines of schools. Under NCGS § 14-202.4, the North Carolina General Assembly intended to protect students from indecent liberties in a school setting, as children spend majority of their youth in school. The elements of this charge are similar to the elements of indecent liberties with a minor. The main things that change are the fact that the alleged must be a teacher or any other school personnel who is at least 4 years older than the victim, the victim must be a student, and at any time during or after the period when the student and the person were present together in the same school, while the victim is still a student. An important thing to note is that the student in question does not have to be a student at the same school as the school staff/faculty member. A student is any person who is enrolled in kindergarten or in grades 1-12 (elementary, middle and high school).

What if I am Charged with Indecent Liberties with a Minor?

In the event you are charged with indecent liberties with a minor, building your defense is crucial. Situations such as these require a legal professional. If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstances where you are either charged with indecent liberties with a minor, or your child is a victim of such crime, contacting the attorneys at Jetton & Meredith should be your first course of action. With legal expertise spanning over a decade, the attorneys at Jetton & Meredith can assist you with your legal complications.