Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge in Lexington is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas.
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 unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to propose, suggest, or take any indecent liberty with a child under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying any person. This is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 at the court’s discretion. A conviction mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms for Lexington are available at the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Lexington
Felony indecent liberties charges begin with an arrest and a bond hearing at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street). The court frequently denies bond for serious sex offenses or sets secured bonds from $25,000 to $500,000+. A preliminary hearing is held in General District Court within 21-60 days to determine probable cause. If found, the case is certified to the Lexington Circuit Court for a grand jury indictment and trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively, often relying on digital forensics and forensic interviews.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a warrant and then to Lexington General District Court for a bond hearing.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can challenge probable cause and cross-examine witnesses at a hearing in General District Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case proceeds to Circuit Court where a grand jury decides whether to issue a true bill of indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all police reports, forensic reports, and witness statements.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The Commonwealth may offer a plea to a lesser charge. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registry: A conviction leads to sentencing under state guidelines and triggers mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties in Lexington
In Lexington, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony with a penalty range of 1-5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of firearm rights, employment/ housing restrictions. |
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. In Lexington, we have 14 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we commit fully to protecting your rights and future against serious sex crime allegations.
Case Results & Defense Approach
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in sensitive cases. For example, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in possession cases. In Lexington, we apply a focused defense strategy for indecent liberties charges. This includes a meticulous review of all communications and digital evidence to challenge the prosecution’s proof of specific criminal intent, which is a required element of the crime. We work with forensic experts when necessary to counter the Commonwealth’s evidence.
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 deep insight into how these cases are investigated and presented.
Local Defense for Lexington 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) 609-0069
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts on South Main Street. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81. As an indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Lexington, we provide defense for residents throughout the area, including neighborhoods near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Indecent Liberties Defense FAQs in Lexington, VA
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry under § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. A core defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Lexington, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial can take 3-12 months. Processing of digital forensic evidence may extend the timeline by several months.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery?
Indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves proposals or acts with a child under 15 for sexual gratification and is a felony. Sexual battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) involves unwanted sexual touching and is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor. The charges, penalties, and registry consequences are significantly different.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Lexington can seek reduction to a non-registry offense like assault or disorderly conduct, or dismissal by challenging the evidence of intent or the validity of the investigation. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides strong defense for general criminal charges in Lexington and DUI offenses in Lexington. For a broader view of our sex crimes defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding indecent liberties charges in Lexington, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation.
The same rules apply outside Lexington, and our page on indecent liberties with a child charges across Virginia walks through each stage.