Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Madison County — What Is Your Defense Strategy?
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Madison County, Virginia, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious allegations.
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 illegal for any person 18 years of age or older to, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally expose their sexual or genital parts to any child under the age of 15, or propose that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts. This is a separate offense from the custodial version of the crime. A conviction is a Class 6 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see the official Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for Madison County cases are handled at the Madison County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for felony trials.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Madison County
In Madison County, an indecent liberties with a child charge begins with an arrest or summons. The case starts in Madison County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. Given the severe consequences of a conviction, including lifetime registry, early and strategic defense intervention is critical.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested or served a summons. An initial bond hearing is held in General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in Madison County General District Court to determine probable cause for the felony charge.
- Grand Jury & Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, the case goes to a grand jury for indictment, followed by an arraignment in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and engages in negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes sentence and orders registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Madison County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 at the court’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee 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 understand the high stakes of a child sex offense charge in Madison County. Our approach involves a meticulous review of all evidence, including digital communications and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We are committed to protecting your rights and exploring every legal avenue for a favorable resolution.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of handling sensitive sex crime cases. In one instance, our team secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client facing an attempted indecent liberties with a child charge in Fairfax County General District Court. In another case in Bedford County Circuit Court, we negotiated a favorable amendment and sentencing outcome for a client facing multiple felony computer solicitation charges. In Madison County, we have 45 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems is a distinct advantage in cases involving digital evidence.
Contact Our Madison County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
If you are facing an indecent liberties with a child charge, you need a lawyer who understands both the law and the local Madison County court system. Our Fairfax location serves clients in Madison County and is accessible via Route 29 and Route 231. We provide representation for those seeking a child sex offense defense lawyer in Madison County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Contact us to discuss your case with an indecent liberties charge lawyer in Madison County.
Madison County Indecent Liberties Defense FAQs
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Madison County, Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony. The penalty is 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia law.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of indecent liberties in Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This is a critical reason to mount a strong defense.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and the custodial version of the crime?
It depends on the relationship to the child. The standard indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) applies to any adult. A separate law (§ 18.2-370.1) applies to custodians or persons in a supervisory role, which carries a mandatory minimum 5-year sentence.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Madison County?
A case typically takes 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. If certified to Circuit Court, the process involves grand jury indictment and pre-trial motions, extending the timeline.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties with a child?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer in Madison County. Preserve any potential evidence and document your recollection of events. Your lawyer will guide you through the next steps.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Virginia sex crime defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County sex crime lawyers and Prince William County sex crime lawyers. For other legal needs in Madison County, consider a Madison County criminal defense lawyer or a Madison County DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.