Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Shenandoah County, 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. In Shenandoah County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for this serious child sex offense. Our Shenandoah County location serves clients throughout the valley.
Last verified: April 2026 | Shenandoah County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 § 18.2-370.01. This law makes it a felony for a person in a custodial or supervisory role to propose sexual activity to a child under their care, or to expose themselves or propose that the child expose themselves, with lascivious intent. A “custodian” includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or any person responsible for the child’s care. The charge does not require physical contact, making it a common accusation in cases involving inappropriate communication. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has extensive experience defending against these complex allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Shenandoah County felony cases are heard at the Shenandoah County Circuit Court.
Defending a Custodian Indecent Liberties Charge in Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County Circuit Court handles all felony sex crime trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Shenandoah County prosecutes these cases aggressively, and the lifetime sex offender registry requirement under § 9.1-901 makes charge reduction negotiations critical. Defense strategy often focuses on challenging the “lascivious intent” element, the credibility of communications, and the custodial relationship definition. Forensic analysis of digital evidence is frequently central to the defense.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Immediately after an accusation or charge, contact a defense lawyer to discuss the specific allegations, evidence, and potential strategies.
- Evidence Review & Investigation: Your attorney will secure and analyze all evidence, including electronic communications, witness statements, and the nature of the alleged custodial relationship.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Strategy: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal deficiencies. Engage in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or alternative disposition.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, prepare a vigorous defense for trial, focusing on intent, relationship context, and witness credibility.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Shenandoah County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries severe, long-term consequences beyond incarceration.
| 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 for a misdemeanor alternative. | Up to $2,500 | May lose professional licenses (teaching, coaching, childcare). | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; loss of custody/visitation rights; permanent criminal record. |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of over firm-wide 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a child sex offense defense lawyer in Shenandoah County and provide dedicated, strategic representation. Our team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into cases involving allegations against custodians.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our firm has 61 total documented case results across all practice areas in Shenandoah County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. In related sex crime cases, we have secured dismissals and reductions. For example, in Fairfax County GDC, we achieved a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Child. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we negotiated a reduction from three felony computer solicitation charges to two counts with a total sentence of 5 years.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Shenandoah County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664 serves clients at the Shenandoah County courts. We are your local child sex offense defense lawyer Shenandoah County resource, accessible via I-81 and Route 11. We serve Woodstock, Edinburg, Strasburg, Mount Jackson, Toms Brook, and New Market.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 requires lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901, making charge reduction a critical defense goal.
What does “custodian” mean under this law?
It depends. The law defines a custodian as a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s care, which can include teachers, coaches, babysitters, or family members in a supervisory role. The specific facts of the relationship are often a key point of defense.
How can a custodian indecent liberties lawyer Shenandoah County help my case?
A specialized lawyer can challenge the evidence of intent, question the nature of the custodial relationship, analyze digital communications, negotiate with prosecutors to avoid registry triggers, and prepare a strong defense for trial if necessary.
Where are these cases heard in Shenandoah County?
All felony Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charges are prosecuted in the Shenandoah County Circuit Court, located in Woodstock, VA.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, you need focused legal help. For more information on our statewide practice, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Frederick County and Warren County. For other legal needs in Shenandoah County, consider our Criminal Defense or DUI Defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.