Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration in Greene County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Greene County across all practice areas.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
Virginia Code § 18.2-370 defines the crime of taking indecent liberties with a child. The statute makes it unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally commit certain acts with a child under the age of 15 who is not the person’s spouse, such as exposing one’s sexual or genital parts, proposing that the child expose themselves, or proposing sexual intercourse or fondling.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and filings are handled at the Greene County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Greene County
Greene County Circuit Court handles all felony indecent liberties trials; preliminary hearings are held in Greene County General District Court. Virginia sex crime cases frequently involve forensic evidence including digital forensics for internet-related offenses. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Greene County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Sex offender registry requirements under § 9.1-901 make charge reduction negotiations critical — defense strategy often focuses on avoiding registry-triggering convictions.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. If a warrant or capias is issued, you may be held until a bond hearing.
- Bond Hearing in General District Court: A judge will determine if you can be released before trial and under what conditions (e.g., secured bond, GPS monitoring, no contact).
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Greene County General District Court within 21-60 days. The Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified to Circuit Court, you will be formally arraigned and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and review all discovery from the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Greene County Circuit Court or is resolved through plea negotiations aimed at reducing charges.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Greene County
In Greene County, indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with 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 understand the severe, lifelong consequences of an indecent liberties conviction, particularly the sex offender registry. Our approach involves immediate investigation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and exploring all avenues for charge reduction or dismissal to protect your future.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
Our firm has a documented record of defending against serious charges. In one case in Fairfax County General District Court, a charge of Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child was Nolle Prosequi (dismissed). In Bedford County Circuit Court, we secured a reduction for three felony computer solicitation charges, amending them to two counts with a total sentence of 5 years. While these results are from other jurisdictions, they demonstrate our firm’s active and strategic approach to sex crime defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Greene County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville). We provide experienced defense as an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Greene County and child sex offense defense lawyer Greene County for residents of Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Indecent Liberties with a Child Defense FAQs for Greene County
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Greene County, Virginia?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also requires lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties charge in Greene County?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 triggers mandatory lifetime registration under Virginia’s sex offender registry laws (§ 9.1-901). Avoiding a conviction that requires registration is a primary defense goal.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery in Virginia?
It depends on the specific acts and the age of the victim. Indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves a person 18+ with lascivious intent towards a child under 15, covering proposals or exposures. Sexual battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) involves actual sexual touching against the will of the victim, and can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Greene County?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by Circuit Court proceedings. Complex cases involving digital evidence may take longer.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced indecent liberties charge lawyer Greene County can negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to a non-registry offense like simple assault, or seek dismissal by challenging the evidence, the legality of the investigation, or the intent element required by the statute.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these charges, you need a dedicated indecent liberties with a child lawyer Greene County. Our team also handles related matters: Greene County criminal defense, Greene County DUI defense, and Greene County family law. For a broader view, see our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.