Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Lexington — 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 Lexington. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Lexington can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work to protect your future.
Statutory Definition of Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-370. A person commits this offense by knowingly and intentionally exposing their sexual or genital parts to a child under 15, proposing that the child expose their sexual or genital parts, or proposing sexual intercourse or sodomy to such a child, with lascivious intent. This is a serious felony charge prosecuted in Lexington Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Lexington
All felony indecent liberties cases begin with a preliminary hearing at the Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must present probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Lexington Circuit Court for trial. These cases often involve complex digital evidence and forensic interviews, requiring a detailed defense strategy from a skilled child sex offense defense lawyer Lexington.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned in Lexington General District Court, where bond conditions are set.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If bound over, a grand jury reviews the case for a formal indictment in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all discovery, including forensic reports.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Defense negotiations focus on reducing charges to avoid mandatory registry; otherwise, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing & Registry: A conviction triggers sentencing under Va. Code § 18.2-370 and mandatory registration under § 9.1-901.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Lexington
In Lexington, 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 lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; professional license revocation. |
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 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the severe, lifelong consequences of an indecent liberties conviction and build defenses focused on evidence suppression and charge reduction to protect your future.
Documented Case Experience
Our attorneys have 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. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we negotiated an amendment and reduced sentence for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington General District and Circuit Courts on South Main Street. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and meet by appointment to discuss your indecent liberties charge. As an experienced indecent liberties charge lawyer Lexington, we defend clients throughout the Lexington area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. Indecent liberties with a child under § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Defense strategy focuses on avoiding registry-triggering convictions.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Lexington, Virginia?
Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This includes reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary goal of your defense is to seek a charge reduction or outcome that avoids this mandatory, lifelong requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Lexington, Virginia?
Indecent liberties cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial timeline can be extended by forensic evidence analysis, such as digital forensics, which may add several months to the process.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties with a child?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Lexington. Preserve any potential evidence and document your account of events. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning and begin building your defense strategy from the outset.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Virginia sex crime defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Lexington, we also handle criminal defense and DUI cases.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.