Amherst VA Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The Second Degree Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree in Amherst, VA, is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2. This offense involves repeated acts of sexual abuse over a period of time and carries severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense for these complex cases.
Understanding the Statute: Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child
In Virginia, the crime of “course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree” is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2. This statute criminalizes engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which includes but is not limited to sexual intercourse, sodomy, or object sexual penetration, with a child who is 13 years of age or older but under 15 years of age, over a period of not less than three months. The law is designed to address patterns of ongoing sexual abuse, distinguishing it from a single, isolated incident.
Last verified: April 2026 | Amherst County General District 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). For local court procedures, visit the Amherst County Circuit Court website.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy
In Amherst County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively. The prosecution must prove a pattern of conduct over time, which often involves complex evidence and witness testimony. A strong defense requires challenging the timeline, the credibility of evidence, and the specific allegations of each act. Our criminal court lawyer understands the local prosecutorial approach and builds a case-specific defense.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Immediately contact a defense lawyer to review the warrant or indictment and discuss the specific allegations and timeline.
- Evidence Review & Investigation: Your attorney will subpoena all discovery, including forensic reports, interview recordings, and any digital evidence, to identify inconsistencies.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, challenge the admissibility of prior bad acts, or seek a bill of particulars to clarify the specific acts and dates alleged.
- Negotiation & Trial Preparation: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to explore resolution options while preparing a strong trial defense focused on reasonable doubt.
- Trial or Sentencing: If the case proceeds to trial in Amherst Circuit Court, present a defense challenging the pattern of conduct. If convicted, advocate for mitigation at sentencing.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In Amherst, a conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree carries a prison term of 5 years to life and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree (Va. Code § 18.2-67.2) | Class 3 Felony | 5 years to life imprisonment | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration; potential 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, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the significant stakes of a sex crime accusation and provide a diligent, detail-oriented defense. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders,” meaning we pursue every available legal avenue to protect your rights and future.
Our team, led by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, is equipped to handle the financial and technical details that can arise in cases involving digital evidence or patterns of conduct. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to impacting the law for the benefit of clients.
Local Presence and Accessibility
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Amherst County and Central Virginia. We are accessible for meetings by appointment and offer 24/7 phone consultations. As your Amherst VA course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree lawyer, we provide representation that is both locally informed and backed by extensive resources.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
We serve Amherst and surrounding communities. For a criminal charges defense lawyer near Amherst, contact us anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between first and second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child?
It depends on the age of the child and the specific acts alleged. The second-degree charge under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 involves a child who is 13 or 14 years old. The first-degree charge under § 18.2-67.2:1 involves a child under 13 and carries even more severe penalties.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. A strong defense can lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Success depends on challenging the evidence of a repeated pattern, the credibility of witnesses, and the specific timeline alleged by the prosecution. An experienced criminal attorney will investigate all avenues.
Is parole possible if I am convicted?
No. Convictions under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 are classified as “violent felonies” under Virginia law. This classification makes the defendant ineligible for parole, meaning any prison sentence imposed must be served in full, minus any standard good-time credits earned.
What does “over a period of not less than three months” mean for the prosecution?
This means the Commonwealth must prove at least two separate acts of sexual conduct occurred, and that the time between the first and last alleged act was at least 90 days. The prosecution does not need to prove an act occurred every day, but must establish this minimum timeframe for the pattern.
Why do I need a lawyer who handles sex crimes specifically?
Sex crime cases involve unique rules of evidence, specialized forensic analysis, and severe collateral consequences like lifetime registration. A lawyer familiar with these nuances, the local courts, and the specific statutes is essential for building an effective defense against such serious allegations.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, learn about our services as a traffic lawyer in Amherst or a criminal defense lawyer in Amherst. For more information on sex crimes defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia sex crimes lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Amherst cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree defense lawyer in Virginia explains each stage.