Alexandria Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 is a serious Class 6 felony in Alexandria, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
The specific charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-370.01. This statute makes it a felony for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to engage in acts intended to sexually arouse or gratify any person. This includes lewd fondling, exposing oneself, or proposing such acts. The law is distinct from the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) due to the abuse of a position of trust.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Alexandria felony cases are prosecuted in the Alexandria Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Alexandria Sex Crime Cases
In Alexandria, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian begins with an arrest or indictment. The case will have a preliminary hearing at the Alexandria General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to the Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these cases aggressively, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence. A key defense strategy involves challenging the intent element and the credibility of the evidence before it reaches a jury.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be booked and have a bond hearing at the Alexandria General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in General District Court within 21-60 days to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case, while reviewing all discovery.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or, if in your best interest, a negotiated plea agreement is reached to reduce charges.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, sentencing follows, and a felony conviction triggers mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Alexandria
In Alexandria, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian 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 if sentenced as a misdemeanor.
| 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 (or 12 months if sentenced as misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | 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.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Sex Crime Defense Team
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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a custodian indecent liberties charge in Alexandria and provide a focused, evidence-driven defense aimed at protecting your freedom and reputation.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in complex sex crime cases across Virginia. In Fairfax County General District Court, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 15. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated the amendment and reduction of three felony computer solicitation charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Alexandria Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Alexandria courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for immediate legal guidance. Contact us to schedule a confidential meeting regarding your Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian case.
FAQs: Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Alexandria
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Alexandria, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Most felony sex crime convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Alexandria General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes, a felony conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this permanent requirement.
How is a “custodian” defined under this law?
Virginia law defines a custodian as a person charged with the care, custody, or control of a child, either temporarily or permanently. This includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, babysitters, or any person in a position of authority and trust over the child.
What are common defenses against a custodian indecent liberties charge?
Defenses may include lack of intent to sexually arouse, mistaken identity, false allegations, challenging the definition of “custodian,” or violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Alexandria can evaluate the evidence for the best defense strategy.
How long does a case like this take in Alexandria?
Sex crime cases in Alexandria typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing at the General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial timeline can be extended by forensic evidence analysis and pre-trial motions.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles criminal defense in Alexandria, DUI cases, and family law matters. For more information on sex crimes defense statewide, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Arlington County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current information regarding Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charges, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.