Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer Hanover Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
In Hanover County, Virginia, indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these serious charges.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties With A Child
Virginia Code § 18.2-370 defines the crime of taking indecent liberties with a child. The statute makes it unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally expose their sexual or genital parts to any child under the age of 15, or propose that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts. This is a distinct charge from sexual battery or aggravated sexual battery, focusing on exposure and proposals rather than physical contact.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and filings for Hanover County cases are handled through the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
All felony indecent liberties cases in Hanover County begin with an arrest and a bond hearing at the Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A preliminary hearing is typically held within 21-60 days to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial. Given the lifetime sex offender registry requirement under Va. Code § 9.1-901, a primary defense strategy is often focused on charge reduction negotiations to avoid a conviction that triggers mandatory registration.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond determination. Bond is often denied or set very high for sex offenses.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can challenge the evidence at a hearing in Hanover County General District Court within 60 days.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If probable cause is found, the case is sent to a grand jury, which issues a formal indictment for trial in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your legal team will file motions to suppress evidence and conduct discovery to review the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, a jury trial is held in Hanover County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registry: A conviction results in prison time and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties With A Child in Hanover County
In Hanover County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Legal Experience in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. We understand the severe, lifelong consequences of a sex crime conviction and approach each Hanover County case with a focused strategy aimed at protecting your future.
Meet Your Hanover County Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer
For cases in Hanover County, Mr. Sris often works alongside attorney Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into cases involving allegations concerning children.
Documented Case Results in Hanover County
Our firm has documented case results in Hanover County. In one sex crime case, we successfully negotiated an amendment of the original charge. The charge of Object Sexual Penetration by Force under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 was amended to Sexual Battery, resulting in a significantly better outcome for our client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer Near Hanover County, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Hanover County courts. We represent individuals from Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. If you need an indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Hanover County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
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: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indecent Liberties Charges in Hanover, VA
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Hanover County, Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction requires lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties conviction in Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry, requiring you to report your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Hanover County?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. If sent to Circuit Court, pre-trial motions and potential plea negotiations or a trial can extend the timeline further.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery?
Indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves exposure or a proposal to expose, without the requirement of physical contact. Sexual battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) involves actual, non-consensual sexual touching. The charges, defenses, and potential penalties differ significantly.
Can an indecent liberties charge be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the evidence and case specifics. An experienced attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. A common goal is to seek a reduction to a non-registry offense like simple assault.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, we provide criminal defense and DUI defense in Hanover County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Hanover case fits into the wider process, our page on indecent liberties with a child lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.