Bedford VA Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Lawyer — 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 County, carrying a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in prison. This charge involves repeated acts over a period of at least three months. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Statutory Definition of 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 conduct, which includes but is not limited to sexual intercourse, sodomy, or object sexual penetration, with a child under the age of 13 over a period of not less than three months. The law is designed to address patterns of ongoing sexual abuse, not isolated incidents. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, has a background that provides insight into how these cases are built and challenged.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Bedford County are managed by the Bedford County General District Court.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in Bedford County
In Bedford County, a course of sexual conduct charge begins with an arrest and a bond hearing at the General District Court. Given the severity, bond is often denied or set very high. The case will be certified to the Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. The prosecution’s case typically relies heavily on the child’s testimony and any corroborating evidence, which makes pretrial motions challenging the admissibility of statements and forensic interviews critical. A defense lawyer must meticulously review the timeline of alleged acts and the methods used by investigators.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Contact a defense attorney before speaking to investigators. Every statement can be used against you.
- Bond Hearing Preparation: Your attorney will argue for reasonable bond conditions, presenting ties to the community and lack of flight risk, though release is challenging.
- Preliminary Hearing & Discovery: At the General District Court, your attorney will challenge probable cause and secure all police reports, forensic interviews, and medical records.
- experienced Consultation: A criminal attorney will often engage child psychology or forensic interview experts to evaluate the prosecution’s evidence.
- Circuit Court Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or statements obtained improperly before trial.
- Trial or Negotiation: Decide whether to take the case to a jury trial or pursue a negotiated plea to a lesser offense to avoid the mandatory minimum sentence.
Potential Penalties for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree
In Bedford County, a conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree is a Class 2 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a potential maximum 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 lifetime sex offender registration, possible GPS monitoring, loss of parental rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for This Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex sex crime defenses. Our defense lawyers understand that a charge of this magnitude requires an immediate and multi-faceted response. We have a documented history of handling sensitive, high-stakes cases in Virginia. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, has a background that provides a strategic advantage in analyzing forensic evidence and prosecution tactics.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach to defending serious sex crime allegations is grounded in thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy. We scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s timeline and evidence. In Bedford County, building a defense against a “course of conduct” charge requires challenging the consistency and reliability of allegations made over an extended period. Our team, including experienced criminal attorney Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience and formerly held a contract with Child Protective Services, works to identify weaknesses in the case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Bedford County Defense Services
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Bedford County courts on East Main Street. We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways. We provide legal defense for individuals in Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. If you need a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree lawyer near Bedford County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Bedford County Course of Sexual Conduct Charges)
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Bedford County, Virginia?
The penalties are severe. For course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, it is a Class 2 felony with a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in prison, plus lifetime sex offender registration. Other sex crimes carry varying prison terms.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Bedford County, Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. Avoiding a conviction that triggers registration is a primary goal of your defense.
How long does a sex crime case take in Bedford County, Virginia?
It depends on the complexity. A case involving a course of conduct charge typically takes 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court, grand jury indictment, and a Circuit Court trial. Processing forensic evidence can cause significant delays.
What should I do if charged with a sex crime in Bedford County?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not speak to police or investigators without your lawyer present. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a confidential consultation. Early intervention by a defense lawyer is critical for case strategy.
What is the main difference between a single act and a “course of conduct” charge?
The key difference is the pattern. A single act of abuse is charged as a specific offense (e.g., rape). A “course of sexual conduct” charge under § 18.2-67.2 requires the prosecution to prove two or more acts over a period of at least three months. This changes the defense strategy to challenge the timeline and pattern of allegations.
Can these charges be reduced or amended?
It depends on the evidence. While these are severe charges, a skilled criminal court lawyer may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to a lesser offense that does not carry a mandatory minimum or lifetime registration, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
Internal Resources
For more information on sex crime defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Shenandoah County and Augusta County. If you are facing other charges in Bedford County, explore our pages for general criminal defense and DUI defense.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If you want to see how a Bedford case fits into the wider process, our page on course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.