Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer Hanover County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Hanover County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This law makes it a felony for a person in a custodial or supervisory role over a child under 18 to engage in acts intended to sexually arouse or gratify any person. This includes lewd or lascivious touching, exposing oneself, or proposing such acts. The law defines “custodian” broadly, covering parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and others with temporary care or authority.
This charge is distinct from the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) due to the abuse of a position of trust. The penalties are severe, and a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-901).
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for Hanover County are handled at the Hanover County General District Court.
Hanover County Court Process for Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges
In Hanover County, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian begins with an arrest or summons. The case starts in Hanover County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. Given the nature of the charge, bond conditions are often strict and may include no contact orders and GPS monitoring. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes these cases vigorously, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned at Hanover County General District Court. The judge will set bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held within 21-60 days to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury in Hanover County Circuit Court. If indicted, the case proceeds to trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and challenges the prosecution’s case. Discovery of all evidence is exchanged.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through negotiation to reduce the charge and avoid registry requirements.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes sentence and orders lifetime sex offender registration.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 is a Class 6 felony with a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.01) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None | Lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; loss of custodial rights; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge—not just the potential prison time, but the lifelong consequences of sex offender registration. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on forensic evidence review, witness credibility, and constitutional challenges to protect your rights.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of defending clients against serious sex crime allegations. In one case, we defended against three felony charges of computer solicitation of a minor in Bedford County Circuit Court. The result was a favorable amended disposition. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In another case in Fairfax County General District Court, a charge of Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child was Nolle Prosequi (dismissed). These outcomes demonstrate our commitment to vigorous defense.
Contact Our Hanover County Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, including Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. If you need a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer Hanover County near the Hanover Courthouse or Kings Dominion, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Hanover County
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Hanover County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime registration. Cases are at Hanover County General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This mandates reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A charge reduction is often the only way to avoid this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. A case for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian typically takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may take 3-12 months. Processing forensic evidence like digital files can extend the timeline.
What does “custodian” mean under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01?
The law defines a custodian broadly. It includes a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or someone responsible for the child’s care. It also covers persons in a supervisory role, such as a teacher, coach, youth leader, or babysitter, who has temporary care or authority over the child.
Can a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian be reduced?
It depends on the evidence. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Hanover County can negotiate with prosecutors. The goal is often to amend the charge to a non-registry offense or secure a dismissal if the evidence is weak. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts.
Related Legal Information
For more information, visit our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related matters in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Hanover County, we provide defense for Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.