Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Virginia Beach, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious allegations. Our indecent liberties with a child lawyer Virginia Beach team, led by former prosecutor Mr.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Virginia, the crime of taking indecent liberties with a child is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370. This statute makes it illegal for any person 18 years of age or older to knowingly and intentionally propose that a child under the age of 15 perform or submit to any sexual act. The law also covers taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian under § 18.2-370.1, which involves similar acts by someone responsible for the child’s care. The offense 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 mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Virginia Beach cases are handled at the Virginia Beach General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trials.
Virginia Beach Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Virginia Beach prosecutors treat indecent liberties with a child cases with high priority. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office often seeks severe penalties and will push for convictions that trigger sex offender registry requirements. A strong defense must start immediately after arrest. The process typically involves an initial appearance, a bond hearing, a preliminary hearing in General District Court, and then a potential trial in Circuit Court if the case is certified. Evidence often includes digital communications, witness statements, and forensic interviews.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be booked and brought before a magistrate. An attorney can argue for favorable bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Virginia Beach General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: For felony charges, a grand jury will review the case. An indictment moves the case to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews all discovery from the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or, if in your best interest, your lawyer negotiates for a reduced charge to avoid mandatory registry.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, sentencing follows. A conviction under § 18.2-370 requires lifetime sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Virginia Beach, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (§ 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; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
| Indecent Liberties by Custodian (§ 18.2-370.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Lifetime sex offender registration; severe impact on child custody and visitation rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Virginia 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 have a documented record of handling sensitive sex crime allegations, including those involving indecent liberties with a child. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts of your case. We know that a conviction can alter your life permanently, and we work to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s evidence at every stage.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our firm has handled numerous sex crime cases across Virginia. In one case 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 a favorable amendment and sentencing outcome for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges. In Virginia Beach, our team leverages its understanding of local court procedures to seek the best possible result.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at Virginia Beach courts. We are approximately 90 minutes from the Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, accessible via I-64 and I-264.
Indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indecent Liberties Charges in Virginia Beach
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction requires lifetime sex offender registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of indecent liberties in Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for indecent liberties with a child under § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. Avoiding a registry-triggering conviction is a primary defense goal.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery in Virginia?
It depends on the specific acts and the age of the alleged victim. Indecent liberties (§ 18.2-370) involves proposing a sexual act to a child under 15 and is a felony. Sexual battery (§ 18.2-67.4) involves unwanted sexual touching and is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor, though it can become a felony under certain conditions.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Virginia Beach?
These cases typically take 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 60 days, possible grand jury action, and then pre-trial motions and a trial date in Circuit Court. Complex evidence can cause delays.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Virginia Beach can seek dismissal if the evidence is weak or rights were violated. Charge reduction to a non-registry offense is also a common negotiation strategy to avoid the lifelong consequences of sex offender registration.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing an indecent liberties with a child charge in Virginia Beach, you need a lawyer who understands the severe stakes. For more on our statewide practice, see our Virginia sex crime defense hub. For defense in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County sex crime lawyer or Chesterfield County sex crime lawyer. For other legal needs in Virginia Beach, we also handle criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.