Augusta County Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer — 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 mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. An indecent liberties with a child lawyer Augusta County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these life-altering charges. Our firm has documented case results in Augusta County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
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 propose that any child under the age of 15 years perform or submit to any sexual act, or to expose their sexual or genital parts to such a child. This is a serious felony charge prosecuted in Augusta County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-370
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Indecent liberties with a child cases in Augusta County begin with an arrest and a bond hearing. The preliminary hearing is held at the Augusta County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Augusta County Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively, and a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-901).
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate. A bond hearing is set, often at the Augusta County General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held at GDC to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Augusta County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and engages in negotiations with the prosecutor, aiming for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement that may avoid sex offender registry requirements.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes a sentence within the 1-5 year range and orders lifetime sex offender registration.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Augusta County
In Augusta 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, 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 (§ 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; loss of professional licenses; difficulty finding housing/employment. |
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 severe, lifelong consequences of a sex crime conviction and build defenses focused on protecting your future. Our approach includes thorough investigation, challenging forensic evidence, and strategic negotiation to seek the best possible resolution.
Case Results
Our firm has a record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In one instance, our attorneys secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child in Fairfax County General District Court. In another case in Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated a reduction for a client facing three felony counts of computer solicitation of a minor.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Augusta County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64.
Indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Augusta County General District Court. We serve the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
FAQs: Indecent Liberties Charges in Augusta County
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Augusta County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. Indecent liberties with a child (§ 18.2-370) is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most felony convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Augusta County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes, most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including indecent liberties with a child, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle 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 Augusta County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial can be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence like digital data may extend 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 present. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Augusta County. Exercise your right to remain silent. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning and begin building your defense strategy from the start.
Can an indecent liberties charge be reduced?
It is possible. An experienced indecent liberties charge lawyer Augusta County can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Potential outcomes may include reducing the felony to a misdemeanor that does not carry the sex offender registry requirement, or securing a dismissal if the evidence is weak.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Augusta County, DUI defense, and family law matters. For more information on sex crime defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Shenandoah County and Rockingham County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding an indecent liberties with a child charge.