Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian is a serious Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Bedford County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these charges.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses against children with extreme severity. The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian, Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, defines the crime as a person in a custodial or supervisory role committing any act intended to sexually arouse or gratify any person with a child under 18. This is distinct from the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) due to the abuse of a position of trust. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, though sentences can be higher under certain circumstances. Most critically, a felony conviction under this statute triggers mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Bedford County cases are handled through the Bedford County General District Court website.
Defense Strategy for Bedford County Cases
In Bedford County, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian proceeds from a preliminary hearing in General District Court to a potential trial in Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously pursues these cases. Defense strategy must begin immediately, often focusing on challenging the intent element, the credibility of evidence, or the definition of “custodial role.” Because the stakes include prison and lifelong registry, negotiating a reduction to a non-registry offense is a primary objective. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. leverages its deep understanding of Virginia’s sex crime statutes to build these defenses.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any interviews with law enforcement.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing in Bedford County General District Court.
- Attend the preliminary hearing, where your lawyer will challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- If the case proceeds, engage in pre-trial negotiations and motions in Circuit Court to seek charge reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for a jury trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian
In Bedford County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1-5 years as a Class 6 felony, with the possibility of higher penalties, and mandates lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.01) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of custodial rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Virginia Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93% favorable outcome rate. We understand the significant consequences of a sex crime conviction, especially one involving a child and a position of trust. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts of your case to protect your future and your rights.
Documented Case Results
In Bedford County, our legal team has documented results in sex crime cases. While every case is unique, our focused defense strategies aim for reductions, dismissals, or alternative resolutions to avoid the most severe penalties like lifetime registry.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Bedford County Defense Lawyer
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Bedford County courts. We are your local Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian lawyer near Bedford, Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. We serve the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 | Local: (540) 535-1765
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 with 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia law.
Do I need a lawyer for a charge like this in Bedford County?
Yes. The consequences are too severe to face without an attorney. A lawyer provides essential legal help by protecting your rights, challenging evidence, and negotiating to avoid a registry-triggering conviction.
What makes this charge different from general indecent liberties?
It depends on the relationship. This specific statute applies when the accused is in a custodial or supervisory role over the child, such as a parent, teacher, coach, or babysitter. The abuse of that position of trust leads to more severe scrutiny by prosecutors and courts.
Can the sex offender registry requirement be avoided?
It is possible if the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor or a non-registry offense through negotiation or at trial. This is often the central goal of the defense strategy in these cases, making skilled legal consultation vital from the start.
What should I do if I am investigated for this crime?
Immediately seek an attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, and an experienced attorney can guide you through the process.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like Bedford County Criminal Defense and Bedford County DUI Defense.
The same rules apply outside Bedford, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian charges across Virginia walks through each stage.