Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration in Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesterfield County. An experienced indecent liberties with a child lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge the evidence and intent required for conviction.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined by Va. Code § 18.2-370. This statute makes it illegal for a person 18 years or older to knowingly and intentionally propose that a child under 15 years old perform or submit to a sexual act, or to expose their genitals to such a child with the intent of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. The law is broad and can encompass verbal propositions, written communications, or physical acts that do not involve direct contact.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how these charges are investigated and prosecuted. The prosecution must prove specific intent, which is often a key point for a child sex offense defense lawyer Chesterfield County to challenge.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Chesterfield County are managed by the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials held in Circuit Court.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all felony indecent liberties trials, while preliminary hearings are in General District Court. These cases frequently involve digital evidence like text messages or social media communications. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes aggressively, making early intervention by an indecent liberties charge lawyer Chesterfield County critical. Defense strategy often focuses on challenging the evidence of intent and avoiding convictions that trigger mandatory lifetime registry under § 9.1-901.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond is frequently contested in sex offense cases.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Chesterfield County General District Court within 21-60 days to determine probable cause.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony charges, a grand jury typically reviews the case within 90 days.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You formally enter a plea in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and engages in plea negotiations.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 for a misdemeanor conversion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Felony) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, housing restrictions. |
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Misdemeanor) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Possible sex offender registration, severe social and professional stigma. |
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 combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County, we have documented case results for sex crime defenses. Our lead attorney for Virginia sex crimes, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing unique insight into these complex cases.
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Our approach to defending indecent liberties charges is informed by experience. In Chesterfield County, we have 1 documented result for sex crime defense, with a 100% favorable outcome rate in that locality. Firm-wide, we have achieved dismissals or not-guilty verdicts in cases involving charges such as possession of child pornography and child pornography promotion.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Chesterfield County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 423-1382
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 360. If you need an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Chesterfield County near Midlothian, Chester, or the Colonial Heights area, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only. We serve communities including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
FAQs: Indecent Liberties Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Chesterfield County?
1-5 years in prison. Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, 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, which imposes severe, lifelong restrictions on housing, employment, and community life.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties conviction?
Yes, for a felony conviction. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child in Virginia requires lifetime registration under the sex offender registry (§ 9.1-901). This is often the most severe consequence, making charge reduction a primary goal for a child sex offense defense lawyer Chesterfield County.
What does the prosecution have to prove for indecent liberties?
They must prove you are 18+, the child was under 15, and you knowingly and intentionally proposed a sexual act or exposed yourself with the intent to arouse or gratify. The specific intent element is frequently challenged by an indecent liberties charge lawyer Chesterfield County, as it relies on subjective interpretation of words or actions.
Can indecent liberties charges be based only on words?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-370 criminalizes knowingly and intentionally proposing that a child perform or submit to a sexual act. This can include verbal propositions, text messages, or online communications, even without any physical contact or meeting.
How long does an indecent liberties case take?
Typically 3-12 months. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, possible grand jury indictment, and a Circuit Court trial. Cases involving digital forensics can take longer due to evidence processing. An early and strong defense is crucial.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Chesterfield County and DUI defense in Chesterfield County. For a broader view of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring jurisdictions like Henrico County and Colonial Heights.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Chesterfield County.
The same rules apply outside Chesterfield County, and our page on indecent liberties with a child charges across Virginia walks through each stage.