Goochland 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 § 18.2-370.1, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Goochland County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law defines the specific offense of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1. This statute criminalizes acts by a custodian—such as a parent, guardian, or someone standing in loco parentis—who proposes or performs any act with the intent of sexually arousing or gratifying themselves or the child. The law is designed to protect children from abuse by those entrusted with their care and carries severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Goochland County felony cases are heard at the Goochland County Circuit Court.
Defense Strategy for a Custodian Indecent Liberties Charge in Goochland County
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian requires a case-specific approach that challenges the prosecution’s evidence on intent and the nature of the alleged act. In Goochland County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney pursues these charges vigorously. A key defense strategy often involves negotiating to avoid a conviction that triggers the lifetime sex offender registry, which is a primary goal for any child sex offense defense lawyer in Goochland County.
- Immediate Case Review: Contact an attorney immediately after arrest or charge. Do not speak to investigators without legal counsel present.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will scrutinize all evidence, including interviews, digital forensics, and witness statements, for inconsistencies or constitutional violations.
- Preliminary Hearing: Attend the hearing in Goochland County General District Court, where your attorney can challenge the probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Strategy: If the case proceeds to Goochland County Circuit Court, your defense will focus on pre-trial motions, plea negotiations aimed at reducing the charge, or preparing for trial.
- 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 Goochland County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 is a Class 6 felony with a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.1) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901; 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 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 high stakes of a custodian indecent liberties charge and the significant impact of the sex offender registry. Our team, including experienced attorney Matthew Greene, is committed to providing a strong, strategic defense for clients in Goochland County and across Central Virginia.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In Goochland County, we have 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. In a separate Fairfax County case, our defense led to a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Goochland County Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Goochland County courts, accessible via I-64 and Route 6. We provide a custodian indecent liberties lawyer near Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Goochland County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (§ 18.2-370.1), it’s a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Other felonies like rape carry 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Goochland County, Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 requires lifetime registration under § 9.1-901. This makes charge reduction a critical defense goal to avoid the registry.
How long does a sex crime case take in Goochland County, Virginia?
It depends. A felony custodian indecent liberties case typically takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial in Goochland County Circuit Court. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. Complex evidence can extend the timeline.
What does “custodian” mean under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1?
It depends on the relationship. The law defines a custodian as a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s care, including someone standing in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). This can include stepparents, live-in partners, or other caregivers.
Can a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian be reduced?
Yes. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer in Goochland County can often negotiate with prosecutors to amend the charge to a lesser offense that does not carry the lifetime sex offender registration requirement, which is often the primary objective in these cases.
Related Legal Help: If you are facing this serious charge, you need a dedicated legal team. Explore our related services: Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer, Henrico County Sex Crime Lawyer, and Goochland County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian.