Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration in Henrico County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Henrico County sex crime cases. If you are charged, immediate legal help from an experienced attorney is critical to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties With A Child
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined by statute. Va. Code § 18.2-370 makes it illegal for any person 18 years of age or older to knowingly and intentionally propose that a child under the age of 15 years perform or submit to any sexual act, or to expose their sexual or genital parts to such a child. The law is designed to protect minors from predatory behavior and sexual exploitation. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense against these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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). Court procedures for these cases in Henrico County are handled by the Henrico County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials in Circuit Court.
Henrico County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Henrico County Circuit Court handles all felony indecent liberties with a child trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively, and the lifetime sex offender registry requirement under § 9.1-901 makes charge reduction negotiations a critical defense strategy. An experienced lawyer can challenge the evidence and intent required for conviction.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond is frequently denied for violent sex offenses; if granted, secured bond is typically $25,000-$500,000+.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Henrico County General District Court within 21-60 days from arrest. The prosecution must show probable cause.
- Grand Jury & Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, a grand jury typically indicts within 90 days. You will be formally arraigned in Henrico County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge the charge. Forensic evidence like digital communications may be reviewed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: A Circuit Court trial typically occurs 3-12 months after arrest. Your lawyer will work to negotiate a reduction or dismissal.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, you face 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties With A Child in Henrico
In Henrico County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years and mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration under § 9.1-901; GPS monitoring possible; permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience Defending Against Serious Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to building a strong defense. We understand the severe, long-term consequences of a sex crime conviction and work diligently to protect our clients’ futures. In Henrico County, we have documented case results in sex crime matters.
Documented Case Results in Henrico County
In Henrico County sex crime cases, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results: 4 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). These include cases such as Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346) dismissed and Solicitation of Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346) dismissed in Henrico County General District Court. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience and a former 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, contributes significant experience to these sensitive cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Henrico County Residents
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are an indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Henrico County, accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We provide legal help to residents in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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.
FAQs: Indecent Liberties With A Child Charges in Henrico
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Henrico County?
A conviction is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. The most severe consequence is mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia law.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 requires lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. Avoiding a registry-triggering conviction is a primary defense goal.
What should I do if I am accused of this crime?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately seek a legal consultation with a lawyer experienced in Virginia sex crime defense. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning and begin building your defense strategy.
How long does a case like this take?
It depends on the evidence and court schedule. A typical timeline involves a preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court within 21-60 days, with a Circuit Court trial potentially occurring 3-12 months after arrest. Forensic evidence can extend the timeline.
Can the charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An attorney can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a non-registry offense or move for dismissal by challenging the evidence. The firm has documented dismissals in Henrico County sex crime cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Related Legal Information
If you need an Henrico County criminal defense attorney for other charges, or are looking for a sex crime lawyer in Chesterfield County, we can help. For a broader overview, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Henrico cases are handled by our Virginia indecent liberties with a child practice, where the whole process is set out.