Albemarle County Lawyer for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Albemarle County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court in Charlottesville. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses involving children with extreme seriousness, especially when the accused is in a position of trust. The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This law makes it a crime for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose that the child engage in sexual acts or to expose their sexual or genital parts to the child with lascivious intent. A conviction is a Class 6 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Albemarle County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
External Legal Resources
For the official state statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Albemarle County Circuit Court website.
Defense Strategy for Albemarle County Cases
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Albemarle County requires immediate and strategic action. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Albemarle County prosecutes these cases aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction are severe and lifelong. The key local procedural fact is that all felony sex crime trials, including this charge, are handled by the Albemarle County Circuit Court at 350 Park Street in Charlottesville. Preliminary hearings occur in the General District Court, but the ultimate trial and sentencing happen in Circuit Court. Given the mandatory sex offender registry requirement under Va. Code § 9.1-901, a primary defense goal is often to negotiate a resolution that avoids a conviction triggering lifetime registration.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Contact a lawyer before speaking to investigators. Your statements can be used against you.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your attorney will review all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any digital or forensic evidence, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing Strategy: At the General District Court hearing, your lawyer can challenge the probable cause for the felony charge, potentially getting it reduced or dismissed before it moves to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Defense: If the case proceeds, your attorney will file pre-trial motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare a vigorous trial defense focused on challenging intent, witness credibility, and the validity of the evidence.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, your lawyer will present mitigating factors to argue for the minimum sentence and against additional supervised release conditions.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Albemarle County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, a fine of up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.01) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of custody/visitation rights; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime 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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a sex crime accusation and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients without reservation.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in complex sex crime cases. In Albemarle County, we have 30 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For example, in a Fairfax County case, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child. In a Bedford County Circuit Court case involving three felony counts of computer solicitation of a minor, we successfully negotiated an amended charge with a reduced total sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Albemarle County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Albemarle County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 29, and other major highways near Charlottesville.
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer near Albemarle County and the Charlottesville area. We serve communities including Charlottesville, Crozet, Earlysville, Ivy, and North Garden.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Albemarle County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, it’s a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Rape carries 5 years to life. Cases are heard at the Albemarle County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Albemarle County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This makes charge reduction a critical defense goal to avoid this lifelong consequence.
How long does a sex crime case take in Albemarle County, Virginia?
It depends. These cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence like DNA can extend the timeline further.
What should I do if I am accused of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian?
First, do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Albemarle County. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the process, and begin building your defense strategy from the very start.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, it is possible. Through pre-trial negotiations and motions, an experienced attorney may secure a reduction to a non-registry offense or even a dismissal. The outcome depends on the specific facts of the case, the evidence, and the skill of your legal representation.
Related Pages: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, explore our Albemarle County Criminal Defense services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.