Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in York 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 York County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Virginia, the offense of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This statute specifically targets individuals in a custodial or supervisory role over a child under the age of 18. The law prohibits such a person from knowingly and intentionally proposing that the child perform a sexual act, exposing their own sexual or genital parts to the child, or proposing that the child expose their sexual or genital parts. The critical element is the abuse of a position of trust or authority. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in complex case strategy, understands how the Commonwealth constructs these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | York County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for this felony charge are held at the York County Circuit Court.
Defense Strategy for York County Cases
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in York County requires a meticulous, case-specific approach. The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, including the defendant’s custodial role and specific intent. Our defense often involves challenging the credibility of the allegations, examining the context of the interactions, and scrutinizing the investigation for procedural errors or violations of rights.
- Immediate Case Review: Contact an attorney immediately after being charged or under investigation. Do not speak to law enforcement without legal counsel.
- Preliminary Hearing: The case begins in York County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the felony to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in York County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional violations occurred and review all discovery from the Commonwealth.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will advise on the feasibility of a plea agreement to a lesser charge or proceed to a jury trial to contest the allegations.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible. If errors occurred at trial, an appeal may be filed.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In York County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, a Class 6 felony, carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 at the court’s discretion.
| 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) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses. | 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.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex criminal matters. In York County and across Virginia, we understand the high stakes of sex crime allegations and build defenses focused on protecting our clients’ futures and freedoms.
Case Results
Our firm has a history of handling sensitive and high-stakes sex crime cases. For example, in Fairfax County General District Court, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Attempt to Commit Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 15. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated a reduction and favorable sentencing in a complex computer solicitation case involving multiple felony charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on all major sex crime defenses, ensuring every angle is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our York County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in York County courts. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 17. If you need a child sex offense defense lawyer York County or a custodian indecent liberties lawyer York County trusts for serious representation, contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Serving: Yorktown, Grafton, Tabb, Seaford.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in York County?
It is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also mandates lifetime sex offender registration.
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 primary defense goal to avoid this consequence.
What court handles these cases in York County?
Felony charges start with a preliminary hearing at York County General District Court (300 Ballard Street). The trial is held at York County Circuit Court at the same address.
What is the main difference between this charge and standard indecent liberties?
The key difference is the “custodian” element. This statute applies specifically to parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or others in a position of authority over the child, alleging an abuse of that trust.
How long does a case typically take?
From arrest to resolution in Circuit Court, a case can take 6 to 18 months. The timeline depends on case complexity, evidence analysis, and court scheduling.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Virginia sex crime defense, Henrico County sex crime lawyer, and York County criminal defense attorney.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.