Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 is a serious felony in Henrico County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges, focusing on protecting your rights and future. Our team has documented results in Henrico County courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 § 18.2-370.1. This statute makes it a crime for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose that the child expose their private parts, propose sexual intercourse, or propose any act of sexual abuse. The law is distinct from the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) due to the abuse of a position of trust. A conviction is a Class 6 felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to defend against these serious allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for these felonies begin at the Henrico County General District Court for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Defense Strategy for Henrico County Cases
In Henrico County, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The key local procedural fact is that these cases hinge on the interpretation of communication and the alleged abuse of a custodial relationship. Defense strategy must immediately challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent and the specific nature of the proposal. The presence of digital evidence (texts, emails) requires early forensic review.
- Secure immediate legal representation following an arrest or allegation.
- Preserve all potential evidence, including electronic devices and communication records.
- Your attorney will file motions to challenge the sufficiency of evidence at the preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court.
- Engage in strategic negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, focusing on intent and the lack of physical contact.
- Prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Henrico County Circuit Court if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Henrico County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years 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 § 18.2-370.1) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of custodial rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has a combined 120+ years of attorney experience. We have achieved over 4,739 favorable case results firm-wide, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach in sex crime cases is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts and legal challenges of each charge. For a child sex offense defense lawyer in Henrico County, our team understands the high stakes.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has 4 documented sex crime case results in Henrico County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate (4 dismissed/not guilty). In one case, our defense team secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client facing an attempt charge related to indecent liberties. In other cases, we have successfully argued for bond reinstatement and charge reductions. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, collaborates with Matthew Greene to develop defense strategies for these sensitive matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Henrico County Charges
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County courts at 4301 East Parham Road. We represent individuals in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. If you need a custodian indecent liberties lawyer in Henrico County, we are accessible via I-64, I-95, and Route 250. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Henrico County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (§ 18.2-370.1), the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and 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 Henrico 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. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Henrico County, Virginia?
It depends. Cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at Henrico County General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Cases involving digital evidence may take longer.
What makes a “custodian” under Virginia’s indecent liberties law?
A custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 is a person charged with the care, custody, or control of a child. This includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or anyone with supervisory authority. The law imposes a higher duty of care, and violations are punished severely.
Can I be charged if there was no physical contact?
Yes. The crime of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is based on a prohibited “proposition” or suggestion. The law criminalizes the act of proposing sexual acts or exposure, even if no physical contact occurs. The focus is on the abuse of the custodial relationship.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.