Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
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 lifetime sex offender registration. In Colonial Heights, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Colonial Heights Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of this serious child sex offense.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses involving children with extreme seriousness, particularly when the accused is in a position of trust. 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 custodian—a person responsible for the child’s care, such as a parent, guardian, or other supervisor—to commit any act intended to sexually gratify themselves or the child.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Colonial Heights can be found at the Colonial Heights Circuit Court website.
Defense Strategy for Colonial Heights Cases
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Colonial Heights requires immediate and strategic action. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Colonial Heights pursues these cases vigorously. A key local procedural fact is that all felony sex crime trials are held in Colonial Heights Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first occurring in Colonial Heights General District Court. The prosecution often relies heavily on forensic interviews and digital evidence.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Contact a lawyer before speaking to investigators. Your rights must be protected from the outset.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including police reports, forensic interview videos, and any digital evidence.
- experienced Consultation: Engage experts in child forensic interviewing or psychology to assess the validity of the allegations.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or challenge procedural errors that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation or Trial: Pursue charge reduction to avoid mandatory lifetime registry, or prepare a strong defense for trial if a favorable plea is not available.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Colonial Heights, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
| 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 | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of custody/visitation rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge and the significant impact a conviction has on your life and family.
Case Results
Our team has achieved favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In Fairfax County General District Court, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 15. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated a reduced sentence for a client facing three felony counts of computer solicitation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Child Sex Offense Defense Lawyer Colonial Heights
Our Richmond location serves clients in Colonial Heights. We are a child sex offense defense lawyer Colonial Heights resource, located near I-95 and I-295 for convenient access. We serve the Colonial Heights community and surrounding areas.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, a Class 6 felony, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Other felonies like rape carry 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Colonial Heights, 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 vehicles to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
It depends. Cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in Colonial Heights General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Complex cases involving digital forensics or experienced testimony can extend the timeline.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and custodial indecent liberties?
The key difference is the role of the accused. Standard indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) applies to any person. The custodial statute (§ 18.2-370.01) specifically applies to a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s care, and the penalties and societal consequences are often more severe.
Should I talk to the police if I am accused?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a custodian indecent liberties lawyer Colonial Heights. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are trained to secure statements.
Related Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Colonial Heights | DUI Lawyer Colonial Heights
Nearby Locations: Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Chesterfield | Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Henrico
Virginia Resources: Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.