Unnatural Or Perverted Sexual Practice Lawyer in Arlington, VA — What Are Your Defense Options?
An unnatural or perverted sexual practice charge under Va. Code § 18.2-361 is a serious Class 6 felony in Arlington County, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. As your criminal attorney, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Law on Unnatural or Perverted Sexual Practices
Virginia Code § 18.2-361 criminalizes “crimes against nature,” a broad statute historically used to prosecute various non-procreative sexual acts. The law states that any person who “carnally knows in any manner any brute animal, or carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge” is guilty of a Class 6 felony. This statute is often challenged on constitutional grounds, particularly regarding consensual acts between adults. In Arlington County, these charges are prosecuted in Circuit Court and carry severe, life-altering consequences beyond incarceration.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-361 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court Website
Arlington County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
An arrest for an alleged violation of § 18.2-361 in Arlington initiates a multi-stage process. The case begins with a bond hearing at the Arlington County General District Court. Given the nature of the charge, securing pretrial release can be difficult, and the court may impose strict conditions. A preliminary hearing is held at the General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony charge to the Circuit Court. All trials for this felony occur in the Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases aggressively, and a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration under the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (§ 9.1-901).
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond determination, often held at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) where the Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally arraigned on the felony charge in Arlington County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer files motions, challenges evidence, and reviews all discovery, which may include digital evidence or witness statements.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through negotiated plea agreements aimed at minimizing penalties.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes sentence, and you must register as a sex offender with the Virginia State Police.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Arlington County, a conviction for an unnatural or perverted sexual practice under § 18.2-361 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unnatural or Perverted Sexual Practice (Va. Code § 18.2-361) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions, firearm prohibition. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 over 4,739 documented case results. We understand the significant personal and legal stakes of a sex crime accusation in Arlington. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts of your case and the nuances of Arlington County court procedures to seek the best possible resolution.
Documented Case Results
Our team has a record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive and complex cases. In Arlington County and across Virginia, we have secured dismissals, reductions of felony charges to misdemeanors, and alternative resolutions that avoid the mandatory lifetime sex offender registry. For instance, our defense has successfully argued for the suppression of improperly obtained evidence and negotiated for charges to be reduced to offenses that do not carry registry requirements. Each case is unique, and we dedicate our full resources to protecting your future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Arlington County Charges
Our Arlington location serves clients facing criminal charges defense at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As an unnatural or perverted sexual practice lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse, we are positioned to handle your case efficiently.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — By appointment only
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “unnatural or perverted sexual practice” mean in Virginia law?
It is a charge under Va. Code § 18.2-361, often referred to as a “crime against nature.” The statute criminalizes specific sexual acts, including oral and anal sex, regardless of consent between adults. This law is constitutionally contested, and a skilled criminal court lawyer can challenge its application.
Is this charge a felony in Arlington County?
Yes. A violation of § 18.2-361 is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Can I avoid the sex offender registry if convicted?
It depends. Lifetime registration is mandatory for a conviction under § 18.2-361. Therefore, the primary defense strategy for a criminal attorney often involves seeking a complete dismissal, an acquittal at trial, or a negotiated plea to a lesser, non-registry offense to avoid this requirement.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a defense lawyer who handles sex crimes. An attorney can intervene during the investigation phase, protect your rights, and potentially prevent formal charges from being filed.
How can an attorney help with these charges?
A skilled criminal charges defense attorney will investigate the evidence, file motions to suppress unconstitutional searches or statements, challenge the statute’s validity, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare a vigorous trial defense to protect your freedom and reputation.
Related Information: For more on sex crime defense in Virginia, see our Virginia Sex Crime Lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, consult our Alexandria sex crime lawyer page. If you are facing other charges, we also provide general criminal defense in Arlington.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If you want to see how a Arlington case fits into the wider process, our page on unnatural or perverted sexual practice lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.