Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Henrico 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 Henrico County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
Virginia Code § 18.2-370 defines the crime of taking indecent liberties with a child. A person 18 or older commits this felony by proposing or performing any act with a child under 15 that is intended to sexually arouse either person. This includes touching, exposure, or communication. The law is broad and does not require physical contact. Conviction 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. A felony conviction mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Henrico
Henrico County Circuit Court handles all felony indecent liberties trials, while preliminary hearings start in Henrico County General District Court. These cases often involve digital forensics for internet-related allegations and forensic interviews. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Because a conviction triggers lifetime sex offender registry requirements, defense strategy must focus on challenging the evidence and negotiating to avoid a registry-triggering outcome.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond is often denied or set very high for these charges.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Henrico County General District Court within 21-60 days to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury, which issues a formal indictment (“true bill”) for a felony trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in Henrico County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all discovery, including forensic reports and interview recordings.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through negotiation, aiming to reduce or dismiss the charge.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Henrico County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child carries a prison sentence of 1-5 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 | 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 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 over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a child sex offense defense lawyer Henrico County case and provide a focused, strategic defense to protect your rights and future.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of defending clients against serious sex crime charges. In one case, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child in Fairfax County. In another, we negotiated a reduced sentence for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges in Bedford County. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Henrico County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts. We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
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
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Henrico County, Virginia?
1-5 years in prison. 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. A felony conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties charge in Henrico?
Yes, if convicted of a felony. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A key defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Henrico County?
It depends. These cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, grand jury indictment, and then a Circuit Court trial. Cases involving digital forensics or complex evidence may take longer.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties with a child?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone about the case without an attorney. Contact an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Henrico County immediately. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning, secure your release on bond if possible, and begin building your defense by examining the evidence against you.
Can an indecent liberties charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Henrico County can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress improper statements or evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors. Outcomes may include reduction to a non-registry misdemeanor or dismissal if the evidence is weak or rights were violated.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Henrico, consider our Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Henrico County DUI Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.