Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Falls Church, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending these serious charges. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Falls Church is critical to challenge evidence and negotiate outcomes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church 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, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally expose their sexual or genital parts to a child under 15, propose that the child expose their parts, or propose sexual intercourse or fondling. This is a Class 6 felony. The related statute, § 18.2-370.1, covers taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory role, which is a Class 5 felony. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, has deep experience with the aggressive prosecution of these charges in Virginia courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Falls Church cases are managed by the Falls Church General District Court.
Falls Church Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Felony indecent liberties charges begin with a preliminary hearing at the Falls Church General District Court to determine probable cause. The case then proceeds to indictment and trial in Circuit Court. Prosecutors in Falls Church aggressively pursue these cases, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence. A strong defense strategy from the outset is essential to protect your rights and future.
- Arrest and initial appearance at Falls Church General District Court for a bond hearing.
- Preliminary hearing within 21-60 days to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Grand jury indictment in the Circuit Court of Falls Church City.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea negotiations or trial preparation focused on avoiding sex offender registry requirements.
- Sentencing hearing, if convicted, with arguments for alternatives to incarceration.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Falls Church
In Falls Church, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 for a Class 6 felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with Child (§ 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years prison (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, professional license revocation. |
| Indecent Liberties by Custodian (§ 18.2-370.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, loss of custody/visitation rights. |
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. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling sensitive sex crime charges, including indecent liberties. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts and legal challenges of your case.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented result in Falls Church for sex crime defense, achieving a reduced/amended charge. In other jurisdictions, our sex crime defense lawyers have secured dismissals and favorable resolutions in cases involving charges like possession of child pornography and sex abuse. For example, in Baltimore County, Maryland, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) in a child pornography distribution case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing critical insight into cases involving allegations against children.
Local Defense for Falls Church Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts on 300 Park Avenue. We are accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495, near the West Falls Church Metro. We provide representation for individuals throughout Falls Church. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Falls Church, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most felony convictions require lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including indecent liberties, require lifetime registration. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Falls Church, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at Falls Church General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may take 3-12 months. Processing forensic evidence like DNA can extend the timeline.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties with a child?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney present. Contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Falls Church immediately. Preserve any potential evidence and document your recollection of events. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning and investigation.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery?
Indecent liberties under § 18.2-370 involves proposals or exposure directed at a child under 15, and is a felony. Sexual battery under § 18.2-67.4 involves actual unwanted touching and is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor. The charges and penalties differ significantly.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub. We also assist clients in Fairfax County and with other criminal charges in Falls Church.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a Falls Church charge, our page explains how Virginia courts handle a indecent liberties with a child charge.