Augusta County Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is a Class B felony under Va. Code § 18.2-67.5, punishable by 5 years to life in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Augusta County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these severe charges.
Virginia Law on Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
Virginia law defines the crime of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree under Va. Code § 18.2-67.5. This statute makes it illegal to engage in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under 13 years of age over a period of not less than three months. The acts can include sexual intercourse, sodomy, or object sexual penetration. This is a distinct charge from a single incident, as it alleges a pattern of abuse.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-67.5 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Augusta County can be found on the Augusta County Circuit Court website.
Augusta County Court Process for This Charge
In Augusta County, a course of sexual conduct charge begins with an arrest or indictment. The case will proceed directly to the Augusta County Circuit Court for trial, as it is a felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will build a case often relying heavily on the testimony of the child, which may involve forensic interviews, and any corroborating evidence. Given the severity, bond is often contested and may be set very high or denied.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and brought before a magistrate. An initial bond hearing will be set in Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case will be presented to a grand jury. If indicted, the case is formally set for trial in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your criminal attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and thoroughly review all discovery, including forensic reports and interview recordings.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your defense lawyer will engage in negotiations with the prosecutor, aiming for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing and Registration: A conviction requires a mandatory minimum sentence and triggers lifetime registration under the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Augusta County, a conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree carries a mandatory prison term of 5 years to life and lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree (Va. Code § 18.2-67.5) | Class B Felony | 5 years to life imprisonment (mandatory minimum) | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on residence and employment. |
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 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a course of conduct charge in Augusta County and deploy a strategic defense focused on challenging the evidence and protecting your future.
Our Approach to Your Case
Our defense strategy begins with an immediate and thorough investigation. We scrutinize the timeline of alleged events, the methods used in forensic interviews of the child, and all physical or digital evidence. We frequently consult with medical and psychological experts to assess the validity of the allegations. Our goal is to dismantle the prosecution’s theory of a sustained “course of conduct” by exposing inconsistencies, lack of corroboration, or alternative explanations. Founding attorney Mr. Sris, with his background as a former prosecutor and deep experience in complex criminal defense, oversees the strategic direction of these serious cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (540) 535-0775
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Augusta County. We are positioned to assist those facing charges at the Augusta County Circuit Court. As an experienced criminal court lawyer near Staunton and Waynesboro, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747—meetings are by appointment only. We serve communities throughout the region including Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single act and a “course of sexual conduct” charge?
It depends. A “course of conduct” charge under Va. Code § 18.2-67.5 requires the prosecution to prove two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of at least three months with a child under 13. A single act would be charged under a different statute, like aggravated sexual battery. The course of conduct charge is more severe and carries a higher mandatory minimum sentence.
Can the testimony of a young child alone lead to a conviction?
Yes, a child’s testimony can be sufficient for a conviction in Virginia. However, a strong criminal charges defense will challenge the reliability of that testimony. We examine how the child was interviewed, look for inconsistencies, and seek corroborating or exonerating physical evidence. The goal is to create reasonable doubt about the allegations.
Is lifetime sex offender registration mandatory for this charge?
Yes. A conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is a registerable offense under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This triggers a mandatory requirement to register as a sex offender for life in Virginia, with strict reporting rules and public disclosure.
What are common defense strategies against a course of conduct charge?
Common defenses include challenging the credibility of the allegations, presenting an alibi for specific time periods, arguing mistaken identity, or showing that improper interview techniques led to false allegations. A detailed investigation into the timeline and evidence is the foundation of any defense strategy for an Augusta VA course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree lawyer.
How long does a case like this typically take in Augusta County?
Felony sex crime cases in Augusta County Circuit Court are complex and can take 9 to 18 months or more from arrest to resolution. Delays often occur due to forensic evidence testing, pre-trial motions, and court scheduling. An experienced defense lawyer will work to move the case forward efficiently while preparing a thorough defense.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, explore our pages for a Augusta County criminal defense lawyer or a Augusta County DUI lawyer.
Nearby Locations: We also assist clients in surrounding counties. Visit our pages for a Shenandoah County sex crime lawyer or a Rockingham County sex crime lawyer.
State Overview: For more information on Virginia sex crime laws, see our Virginia sex crime defense lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Augusta, our page on course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.