Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia
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 Loudoun County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court in Leesburg. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented sex crime results in Loudoun County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 makes it a crime for a person in a custodial or supervisory role—such as a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or babysitter—to engage in sexually suggestive acts with a child under their care, even without physical contact. The law is designed to protect the trust relationship between a child and their custodian. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, and requires lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.
Official Legal Resources
For the full legal text, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Cases are heard at the Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges
In Loudoun County, a charge for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian begins with an arrest or summons. The case proceeds through a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Loudoun County prosecutes these cases with significant resources, often involving forensic interviews and digital evidence. The unique vulnerability of the child-victim in a custodial relationship makes these cases highly sensitive and complex.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested or summoned. An initial bond hearing is held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing in Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market St.) determines if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury at the Loudoun County Circuit Court, which issues a formal indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and compels the prosecution to share all evidence against you.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through negotiated plea agreements aimed at avoiding mandatory registry requirements.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes a sentence and you are required to register as a sex offender for life.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Loudoun County
In Loudoun County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| 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 | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration; loss of custodial rights; GPS monitoring possible; 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 severe, lifelong consequences of a custodian indecent liberties conviction and fight to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use every available resource to build your defense.
Documented Case Results in Loudoun County
Our firm has a documented track record in Loudoun County sex crime cases. We have achieved 13 documented results in this locality, including 10 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. In one case, our defense team successfully argued for the suppression of improperly obtained statements, skilled to a case dismissal before trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Ashburn location serves clients at the Loudoun County courts. We are your local child sex offense defense lawyer Loudoun County resource, serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Other felonies like rape carry 5 years to life.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions, 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 Loudoun County, Virginia?
It depends on the case complexity. A case typically takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial. Preliminary hearings occur within 21-60 days, and Circuit Court trials are scheduled 3-12 months out, though forensic evidence can extend timelines.
What makes a “custodian” under Virginia law?
A custodian is a person responsible for supervising a child’s welfare. This includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, daycare providers, and babysitters. The law imposes a higher duty of care, making violations particularly serious.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. With an aggressive defense, charges can be reduced to non-registry offenses or dismissed. Strategies include challenging the evidence, the child’s testimony, or the definition of “custodian” as it applies to your case.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Loudoun County criminal defense lawyer page or our state hub for Virginia sex crime defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.