Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Roanoke County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Roanoke County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented case results in Roanoke County. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Roanoke County can challenge the evidence and intent required for conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke 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. The statute makes it unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally expose their sexual or genital parts to any child under the age of 15, or propose that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts. This is a serious child sex offense. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, though the court can impose up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. More severe than the penalty is the mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia’s registry laws, which imposes significant lifelong restrictions.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures for these cases in Roanoke County are handled by the Roanoke County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials occurring in Circuit Court.
Local Defense Strategy in Roanoke County
In Roanoke County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively prosecutes indecent liberties cases. Defense often hinges on challenging the prosecution’s proof of “lascivious intent,” which is a specific mental state required for conviction. The defense may also contest the credibility of testimony or the circumstances of the alleged act. Forensic evidence is less common than in contact offenses, making witness credibility and context paramount. Matthew Greene, a secondary attorney on our team with over 30 years of experience and a former contract with Child Protective Services, provides critical insight into these sensitive cases.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any questioning.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing at Roanoke County General District Court.
- We will obtain and review all discovery, including any witness statements.
- A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- If the case proceeds, we will develop a defense strategy for Circuit Court, focusing on intent and evidence.
- We will pursue all avenues for a favorable resolution, potentially through negotiation or trial.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Roanoke County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 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 directly | Lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
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, life-altering consequences of a sex crime conviction and focus on building a defense that protects your future. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to relentless representation.
Documented Case Experience
Our firm has a documented record of handling sensitive sex crime cases. In one instance, our attorneys secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client facing an attempted indecent liberties with a child charge in Fairfax County General District Court. In another case in Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated an amendment and reduction for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts. We represent individuals in Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. As a child sex offense defense lawyer Roanoke County, we are accessible via I-81 and other major routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Roanoke County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. For indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Other offenses like rape carry life sentences. All cases start at Roanoke County General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Roanoke County, Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for indecent liberties with a child, a felony, requires lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. You must report your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Roanoke County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at Roanoke County General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial can be scheduled 3-12 months later. Complex evidence can extend this timeline.
What does an indecent liberties charge lawyer Roanoke County do?
Your lawyer investigates the allegations, challenges the proof of “lascivious intent,” reviews all evidence, represents you at bond and preliminary hearings, negotiates with prosecutors, and prepares a vigorous defense for trial to protect your rights and future.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby Shenandoah County. If you are facing other charges, we are also a Roanoke County criminal defense lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.