Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge in Fauquier County is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these serious allegations. Our attorney team, led by former prosecutor Mr.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties With A Child
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370. This statute makes it unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to propose, suggest, or take any indecent liberty with a child under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying any person. The law is broad and can encompass actions that do not involve physical contact, such as certain communications or proposals. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Critically, a felony conviction under this statute triggers a mandatory requirement to register as a sex offender for life under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Va. Code § 9.1-901).
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Fauquier County cases are handled through the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Indecent liberties with a child cases in Fauquier County begin with an arrest or summons. The case will start in the Fauquier County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony charge to Circuit Court. Given the serious nature of the charge, bond is often contested and may involve strict conditions like no contact orders and GPS monitoring. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A key local procedural fact is that Virginia sex crime cases frequently involve forensic evidence, including digital forensics for internet-related communications. Defense strategy must focus early on challenging the evidence and negotiating to avoid a conviction that mandates lifetime sex offender registration.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Contact an attorney immediately.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing in Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton) where the Commonwealth must show probable cause.
- Grand Jury & Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, the case goes to a grand jury for indictment, then to Fauquier County Circuit Court for arraignment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case through detailed discovery.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registration: A conviction leads to sentencing and the immediate requirement to register as a sex offender.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties With A Child in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 carries a prison sentence of 1-5 years and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| 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 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, housing/employment restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Indecent Liberties Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of an indecent liberties with a child charge—not just the potential prison time, but the lifelong collateral consequences of sex offender registration. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on forensic evidence review, witness credibility, and pre-trial motions to protect your rights from the initial accusation through trial or resolution.
Case Results & Legal Help in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County and across Virginia, our legal team has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive criminal cases. While every case is unique, our strategies have resulted in charges being dismissed, reduced to non-registry offenses, or resolved favorably at trial. For indecent liberties charges, a favorable outcome often means avoiding the lifetime sex offender registry—a goal that requires immediate and experienced legal help. Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, provides critical insight into cases involving allegations against minors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. If you are searching for an “indecent liberties with a child lawyer near me” in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, or The Plains, we provide legal help across these communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations—call (888) 437-7747—with meetings by appointment only at our offices.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indecent Liberties Charges in Fauquier County
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Fauquier County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. Indecent liberties with a child (§ 18.2-370) is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration under § 9.1-901. You must report your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. A core defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence like digital communications can extend the timeline by several months.
What does “indecent liberties” mean in Virginia law?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-370, it means proposing, suggesting, or taking any indecent liberty with a child under 15 for sexual arousal or gratification. This can include non-contact acts like certain messages or proposals, not just physical touching.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced attorney can challenge the evidence, the alleged victim’s credibility, and the intent element of the charge. Successful defense may lead to dismissal, reduction to a misdemeanor, or a not-guilty verdict at trial in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Get Legal Help Today
If you are under investigation or charged with indecent liberties with a child in Fauquier County, time is critical. The immediate consequences of an arrest and the long-term threat of prison and registry demand experienced legal help. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential legal consultation to discuss your case and defense options. We represent clients throughout Warrenton, Bealeton, Marshall, and all of Fauquier County.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related issues like Criminal Defense in Fauquier County and DUI Defense in Fauquier County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Fauquier, our page on indecent liberties with a child charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.