Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Bedford 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 Bedford County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending these charges in Bedford County Circuit Court. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Bedford County can challenge the evidence and work to protect your future.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined by statute. It involves specific acts committed with a child under the age of 15. The law is strict, and the consequences of a conviction are severe and long-lasting.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-370. This law makes it a felony for any person 18 or older to knowingly and intentionally propose that a child under 15 perform or submit to certain sexual acts. The charge does not require physical contact; the proposal itself is the crime. Conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction also triggers mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Bedford County
All felony indecent liberties cases in Bedford County begin with a preliminary hearing at the Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202). If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. These cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Defense strategy must focus early on challenging the element of intent and the evidence of the alleged proposal. Avoiding a conviction that mandates sex offender registration is often the primary objective in negotiations.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Bond may be denied or set high for these charges.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will be scheduled for a hearing in Bedford County General District Court within 21-60 days to determine probable cause.
- Grand Jury & Circuit Court: If certified, the case goes to a grand jury for indictment, then to Bedford County Circuit Court for arraignment and pre-trial motions.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor, aiming for a reduction or alternative disposition.
- Trial or Disposition: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a plea agreement, often focused on avoiding sex offender registration.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, you face prison time and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Bedford County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony with a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| 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 | 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.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Indecent Liberties Charge 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 has a documented record of handling complex sex crime defenses. We understand that an indecent liberties charge lawyer Bedford County must meticulously analyze digital communications and witness credibility to build an effective defense.
Our defense team, led by Matthew Greene with support from firm founder Mr. Sris, approaches each indecent liberties case with a detailed strategy. We examine the context of the alleged communication, the evidence collection methods, and the credibility of all parties involved. Our goal is to protect your rights and work towards a resolution that minimizes the lifelong consequences of a sex crime conviction.
Documented Case Experience
Our firm has handled indecent liberties and related computer solicitation charges in Bedford County. In one case, our attorneys secured an amended disposition on three felony computer solicitation charges. In another, we achieved a favorable bond reinstatement for a client facing similar allegations. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bedford County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Bedford County courts. We are accessible via Route 460 and other major highways.
Indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Bedford County and Smith Mountain Lake. We serve clients in Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
FAQs: Indecent Liberties Charges in Bedford County, VA
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Bedford County, Virginia?
It 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, which is often the most severe long-term consequence.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties conviction?
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). This is why securing a charge reduction is a critical defense goal.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and solicitation?
It depends on the specific statute charged. Indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves proposing certain acts to a child under 15. Computer solicitation (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) involves using electronic communications to solicit a minor. Both are serious felonies with similar penalties and registry requirements, but the elements of proof differ.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Bedford County?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution in Circuit Court. The timeline can be extended by pre-trial motions, forensic analysis of digital evidence, and negotiation periods. The preliminary hearing in General District Court usually occurs within 21-60 days of arrest.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced indecent liberties charge lawyer Bedford County can challenge the evidence, such as the context of messages or the intent behind them. Successful defenses may lead to charge reductions to non-registry offenses or, in some cases, dismissals if constitutional rights were violated or evidence is insufficient.
Related Legal Help: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides strong defense as a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford County and a DUI/DWI lawyer in Bedford County. For more information on our statewide practice, see our Virginia sex crime defense lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.