Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge in Roanoke County is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these serious allegations. Our former prosecutors understand the aggressive tactics used by the Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 illegal for any person 18 years or older to propose that any child under 15 years old engage in sexual acts, or to expose their genitals to such a child with lascivious intent. This is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, though the court can impose up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A conviction mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-901). The law is strictly enforced in Roanoke County, with cases prosecuted in the Circuit Court located at 305 East Main Street in Salem.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures for Roanoke County can be found at the Roanoke County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Roanoke County
Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all felony indecent liberties trials, while preliminary hearings are held in Roanoke County General District Court. These cases frequently involve digital forensics for internet-related allegations and forensic interviews. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes them aggressively, making charge reduction negotiations critical to avoid the lifetime registry. An indecent liberties with a child lawyer must develop a strategy focused on challenging the intent element and the credibility of the evidence.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Bond is often set high or denied for these charges.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Roanoke County General District Court within 21-60 days to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury, which issues a formal indictment for a felony trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You enter a plea of not guilty in Roanoke County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all discovery, including forensic reports and interview recordings.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or, if in your best interest, a negotiated plea to a lesser offense is reached.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties With A Child in Virginia
In Roanoke County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 carries a prison sentence of 1 to 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 registry affects employment | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach in Roanoke County sex crime cases involves a detailed review of all digital and forensic evidence, coupled with strategic motions to protect our clients’ rights. We understand that the primary goal in an indecent liberties case is often to avoid a conviction that triggers the sex offender registry.
Case Results in Roanoke County
Our firm has a documented record of 34 total case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate. In sex crime cases, favorable outcomes can include case dismissals, reductions to non-registry offenses, or not guilty verdicts. For example, our team has successfully negotiated reductions from felony indecent liberties charges to misdemeanors that do not require sex offender registration. Each case is unique, and our lead attorney, Matthew Greene, works closely with firm founder Mr. Sris to develop case-specific strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer Near Roanoke County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts. We are accessible via I-81 and other major highways. We provide legal help to residents in Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. Contact us for a legal consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (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 indecent liberties with a child in Roanoke County, Virginia?
1 to 5 years in prison. Indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, though a judge can impose up to 12 months in jail. A conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender, which is often the most severe long-term consequence.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties conviction in Roanoke County?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. Avoiding a registry-triggering conviction is a primary defense goal.
How long does an indecent liberties case take in Roanoke County?
It depends. These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The timeline can extend if the case involves complex digital forensics evidence, which may take months to process and review.
What should I do if charged with indecent liberties with a child in Roanoke County?
Contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators without an indecent liberties with a child lawyer present. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has former prosecutors with experience in these cases. Call (888) 437-7747 for a legal consultation — available 24/7.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the evidence. An attorney can file motions to challenge improper police procedures or insufficient evidence. Negotiations with the prosecutor may lead to a reduction to a misdemeanor offense that does not carry sex offender registration, which is a common favorable outcome.
Related Legal Help: If you are facing other charges, see our pages for a Roanoke County criminal defense attorney or a Roanoke County DUI lawyer. For more information on sex crimes defense statewide, visit our Virginia sex crime defense lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Roanoke is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on indecent liberties with a child lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.