Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Fredericksburg with an 83% favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses against children with extreme seriousness, especially when the accused is in a position of trust. Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, is a distinct and severe charge. It applies when a person who is the custodian of a child under 18 commits any act intended to sexually arouse or gratify any person, or proposes such an act to the child. A “custodian” is broadly defined to include parents, guardians, and any person responsible for the child’s care, whether in a residential, educational, or supervisory setting. This statute recognizes the significant breach of trust involved.
Penalties for a Conviction in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries severe, life-altering penalties under Virginia law.
| 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 up to 12 months in jail (if sentenced as a misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901; potential GPS monitoring; loss of custody/visitation rights; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy
Felony charges for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Fredericksburg begin with an arrest and a bond hearing at the Fredericksburg General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fredericksburg prosecutes these cases aggressively, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence. A preliminary hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to certify the charge to the Circuit Court for trial. Given the mandatory lifetime registration requirement upon conviction, a primary defense goal is often to negotiate a reduction to a non-registry offense or secure a dismissal.
- Initial Consultation & Investigation: Contact our firm immediately after an arrest or accusation. We secure all police reports, witness statements, and begin our independent investigation.
- Bond Hearing & Preliminary Hearing: Advocate for favorable bond conditions at the General District Court. At the preliminary hearing, we challenge the prosecution’s evidence to weaken their case.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the admissibility of forensic interviews. Conduct thorough discovery to review all the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Negotiation & Trial Strategy: Engage in strategic negotiations with the prosecutor, aiming for charge reduction or alternative dispositions. If a fair plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for a Circuit Court jury trial.
- Sentencing & Post-Trial: If a conviction occurs, we present mitigating evidence to argue for the most lenient sentence possible, including alternatives to incarceration. We advise on all post-trial requirements, including appeals.
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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge—not just the potential prison time, but the devastating collateral consequences of sex offender registration. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have a documented history of achieving favorable results 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 Under 15. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated the amendment of three felony computer solicitation charges down to two counts with a total sentence of 5 years. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides invaluable strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Fredericksburg Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fredericksburg courts (701 Princess Anne St). We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. We provide a child sex offense defense lawyer Fredericksburg for cases throughout the region, including the surrounding neighborhoods of Fredericksburg. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Fredericksburg
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison as a Class 6 felony, plus mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Other sex crimes carry different ranges, from misdemeanors to life sentences.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Fredericksburg, 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 securing a charge reduction or dismissal critical to avoid this permanent consequence.
How long does a sex crime case take in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at Fredericksburg General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Complex cases with forensic evidence can take longer.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and custodial indecent liberties?
The key difference is the relationship. Standard indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves a child under 15. The custodial version (§ 18.2-370.01) involves a child under 18 and requires the accused to be in a defined custodial role, which significantly increases the breach of trust and severity in the eyes of the court.
Can a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge be reduced?
It is possible in some cases. An experienced custodian indecent liberties lawyer Fredericksburg can negotiate with prosecutors to amend the charge to a lesser offense that does not carry the lifetime sex offender registry requirement, which is often the primary defense objective.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.