Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Lawyer in Bedford, VA — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 is a Class 2 felony in Bedford, VA, carrying a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a dedicated defense for these serious allegations.
Understanding the Statute: Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree
In Virginia, the crime of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2. This statute criminalizes engaging in two or more acts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child under the age of 13 over a period of 90 days or more. The law is designed to address patterns of predatory abuse, not isolated incidents. The prosecution must prove the specific acts occurred within the defined timeframe. A conviction for this offense is a Class 2 felony, which is among the most serious charges in the Virginia criminal code.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full legal text, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court procedures and information, visit the Bedford County Circuit Court website.
Building a Defense Strategy in Bedford County
Defending against a charge of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree requires immediate and aggressive action. The allegations are complex, often involving delayed disclosures and intense emotional pressure. An effective defense lawyer will scrutinize the timeline of alleged events, challenge the credibility of evidence, and investigate potential motives for false accusations. In Bedford, the prosecution pursues these cases vigorously, making early intervention by a skilled criminal court lawyer critical.
- Immediate Case Review: Upon retention, your defense lawyer will secure all discovery from the prosecution, including police reports, forensic interviews, and any physical evidence.
- Investigation: A parallel defense investigation is launched to interview witnesses, review alibis, and examine the accuser’s background and potential biases.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the admissibility of certain testimony, or seek to dismiss the charge if the statute of limitations or other procedural defenses apply.
- experienced Consultation: Engaging defense experts in child psychology, forensic interviewing, or medical evidence can be crucial to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial Preparation or Negotiation: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will either prepare a strong trial defense or negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal of charges if weaknesses are found.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Bedford, a conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 5 years, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree (Va. Code § 18.2-67.2) | Class 2 Felony | 5 years to life (mandatory min. 5 years) | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration, possible supervised probation for life, loss of civil rights (voting, firearms). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a charge of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is life-altering. Our approach is grounded in a thorough investigation and a strategic defense designed to protect your future. We have handled numerous complex sex crime cases, requiring a detailed understanding of forensic evidence and testimony.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our defense team is committed to achieving the best possible outcome in every case. We meticulously analyze every detail of the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses and procedural errors. For charges involving a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, early and skilled intervention is paramount to building an effective defense against these severe allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bedford County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
123 Main Street, Suite 100
Bedford, VA 24523
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (540) 123-4567
By appointment only.
Our firm provides a local defense for Bedford County residents facing serious criminal charges. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. If you need a criminal charges defense lawyer near the Bedford County Courthouse, we are accessible to provide immediate counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a single act and a “course of conduct” charge?
It depends. A “course of conduct” charge under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 requires the prosecution to prove at least two acts of sexual intercourse or sodomy occurred over a period of 90 days or more. A single act would be prosecuted under a different statute, like aggravated sexual battery or rape, and may carry different penalties.
Can these charges be filed based solely on the child’s statement?
Yes. In many cases, charges are initiated based on a disclosure by the child, often made during a forensic interview. Corroborating physical evidence is not always required for an indictment. However, a strong defense will challenge the reliability and circumstances of that statement.
What is the statute of limitations for this crime in Virginia?
There is generally no statute of limitations for felony sex offenses involving a victim under 18 in Virginia. This means charges for a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree can be filed at any time after the alleged acts occurred, even many years later.
Is parole possible if convicted?
No. Virginia abolished parole for all felonies committed on or after January 1, 1995. A conviction for this Class 2 felony requires serving at least 85% of the imposed active sentence before any potential release, also to the mandatory minimum of 5 years.
What happens at the first court date in Bedford?
The first hearing is typically an arraignment in Bedford County Circuit Court. You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty. Your defense lawyer will also address bail conditions and begin the process of obtaining discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Related Pages: For other legal challenges, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub, or learn about Sexual Battery Defense in Bedford. For family-related legal issues, consider Bedford Family Law Attorney.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bedford, and our page on course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree charges across Virginia walks through each stage.