Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian in Goochland County is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, punishable by 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 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 is Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This law targets individuals who are in a custodial or supervisory role over a child under 18 and commit any act intended to sexually arouse or gratify themselves or the child. This includes lewd or lascivious touching, exposure, or proposing such acts. A conviction is a Class 6 felony. The statute’s broad language means many actions can be interpreted as violations, making a strong defense critical from the outset.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for Goochland County cases are managed by the Goochland County General District Court.
Local Defense Strategy in Goochland County
In Goochland County, felony sex crime trials are held in Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first occurring in General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively prosecutes these cases. A key defense strategy often focuses on challenging the element of “custodial or supervisory care” as defined by law, or the intent behind the alleged act. Given the lifetime consequences of the sex offender registry under § 9.1-901, negotiating a charge reduction to a non-registry offense is a primary objective. The local procedural fact is that forensic evidence, including digital forensics for any electronic communication, is common and must be scrutinized.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing at the Goochland County General District Court.
- Your lawyer will review all evidence, including any forensic reports, and challenge probable cause at the preliminary hearing.
- If the case proceeds to Circuit Court, your attorney will develop a defense strategy, which may include motions to suppress evidence or negotiate a favorable resolution.
- Prepare for and proceed to trial if a just plea agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian
In Goochland County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| 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 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, restricted employment/housing. |
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, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Goochland County, we have documented case results across all practice areas. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use every available resource to protect your future. Mr. Sris’s unique background, including his role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrates a deep understanding of how to handle and influence complex legal systems.
Case Results in Goochland County
While specific results for Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian cases are confidential, our approach in Goochland County focuses on achieving the best possible outcome, which can include case dismissals, charge reductions to avoid sex offender registration, or favorable plea agreements. We have a total of 4 documented case results across all practice areas in Goochland County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For instance, attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience and a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings critical insight into defending against allegations involving children.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Goochland County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 6, Route 250, and Route 522. As your local Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian lawyer near Goochland, we serve the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Goochland County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. For Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian under § 18.2-370.01, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Other crimes like rape carry 5 years to life.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Goochland County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. A primary defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Goochland County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The process includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, possible grand jury indictment, and then a Circuit Court trial. Complex forensic evidence can extend the timeline.
What should I do if charged with a sex crime in Goochland County?
Contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators without legal counsel. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has former prosecutors with sex crimes defense experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for a legal consultation by appointment.
Can I get a bond if charged with Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child By Custodian?
It depends. Bond is frequently denied for violent sex offenses. If granted in Goochland County, secured bond amounts are typically high, ranging from $25,000 to $500,000+, and may include conditions like GPS monitoring at your expense.
Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Sex Crime Lawyer | Goochland County Criminal Defense Attorney
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Goochland case fits into the wider process, our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.