Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Defense in King William County
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a serious Class 6 felony under Virginia law, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. In King William County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 total documented case results across all practice areas in this locality.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is Va. Code § 18.2-370.1. This law makes it a crime for a person who has custodial or 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. The key element is the abuse of the custodial relationship, which the law treats with heightened severity.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Citations and Court Information
Understanding the official statutes and the local court handling your case is essential. The charge is defined in the Virginia Code, and all felony trials occur in the King William County Circuit Court. You can review the official court procedures and rules on the Virginia Courts website for King William County.
Local Defense Strategy for King William County
In King William County, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is handled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had custodial authority and committed a prohibited act. A common defense strategy involves challenging the intent element or the validity of the custodial relationship as defined by law. Given the severe mandatory consequences of a conviction, including lifetime registry, early and strategic intervention is paramount.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer experienced in Virginia sex crimes law.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your attorney will review all evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the prosecution’s case for weaknesses.
- Preliminary Hearing: The case begins in King William County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the felony to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If bound over, the case proceeds to King William County Circuit Court for arraignment, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will explore all options, which may include negotiating a reduction to a non-registry offense or preparing a vigorous defense for trial.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court will impose sentence. A felony conviction under § 18.2-370.1 mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In King William County, 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 § 18.2-370.1) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail for a misdemeanor alternative. | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but conviction affects employment. | Lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901, GPS monitoring possible, loss of custodial rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your case and the local court procedures in King William County.
Documented Case Experience
Our attorneys have handled numerous sensitive sex crime cases. For example, our team has successfully defended against charges such as Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child, achieving dismissals (nolle prosequi) in courts like Fairfax County General District Court. In another case involving multiple felony computer solicitation charges, we negotiated a favorable amended disposition. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in complex case strategy, provides oversight and collaborates on defense approaches for these serious matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
King William County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County. We are accessible for meetings to discuss your case involving Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations. Serving King William, West Point, and Aylett.
Frequently Asked Questions (King William County)
What is the penalty for a sex crime in King William County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For example, rape carries 5 years to life, while Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years. Most felony convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at the King William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in King William County, Virginia?
Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, mandate lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in King William County, Virginia?
It depends on the case complexity. Typically, a case takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The 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 can extend timelines.
What should I do if I am accused of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer King William County. Exercise your right to remain silent. Your lawyer will protect your rights and begin building your defense from the very first stage.
Who is considered a “custodian” under Virginia law?
A custodian includes a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care and supervision of a child. This can also extend to individuals in positions of authority, such as teachers, coaches, or family members acting in a supervisory role. A custodian indecent liberties lawyer King William County can analyze whether the alleged relationship meets the strict legal definition.
If you need a child sex offense defense lawyer King William County or a custodian indecent liberties lawyer King William County, contact us for a confidential consultation about your case involving Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian.
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Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.