Augusta County 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 Augusta County, carrying a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree Charges
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 makes it a felony for a person 18 years or older to engage in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under 13 years old over a period of at least three months. This is distinct from a single incident and involves a pattern of abuse. The law is designed to address prolonged exploitation, and the penalties reflect the severity of the offense. A conviction requires lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901, which imposes strict reporting requirements and public notification.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-67.2). Court procedures and filings for Augusta County cases are handled through the Augusta County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for trials.
Local Defense Strategy for Augusta County
Augusta County Circuit Court handles all felony sex crime trials, with preliminary hearings at the Augusta County General District Court. These cases often involve complex forensic evidence, including digital forensics for communications and medical or interview evidence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. Because a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime sex offender registry requirements, a primary defense goal is often to challenge the “course of conduct” element or seek a reduction to a non-registry offense. The defense lawyer must meticulously review the timeline of alleged events, the evidence collection process, and the credibility of all statements.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any further questioning.
- Your defense lawyer will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, forensic reports, and witness statements.
- A preliminary hearing will be scheduled in Augusta County General District Court to determine probable cause.
- If the case proceeds, your criminal court lawyer will develop a strategy, which may involve pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charges.
- The case will either be resolved through negotiation or proceed to a jury trial in Augusta County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties in Augusta County
In Augusta County, a conviction for course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a 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 | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, restrictions on where you can live and work. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a documented favorable outcome rate. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia’s sex crime laws and the local court procedures in Augusta County. We focus on building a defense that protects your rights and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable results for clients. In Augusta County and across Virginia, we have successfully defended clients against serious criminal charges. While every case is unique, our strategies are designed to challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every stage. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Augusta County Sex Crime Defense Team
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Augusta County. We are a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree lawyer near Augusta County, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve communities including Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child In The First Degree
What is the difference between a single act and a “course of conduct” charge?
It depends. A “course of conduct” charge under Va. Code § 18.2-67.2 requires the prosecution to prove at least two separate acts of sexual conduct occurred over a period of three months or more. A single act would be charged under a different statute, such as rape or aggravated sexual battery. The distinction significantly impacts the mandatory minimum sentence and defense strategy.
Can a defense lawyer challenge the evidence of a pattern of abuse?
Yes. A criminal attorney can challenge the sufficiency and reliability of the evidence alleging a pattern. This includes examining the timeline, the consistency of statements, the lack of corroborating physical evidence, and whether the allegations meet the specific legal definition of “sexual conduct” over the required three-month period. This is often the core of the defense in these cases.
What are the long-term consequences of a conviction?
A conviction for this Class 2 felony carries a 5-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, up to life, and a fine up to $100,000. The most severe long-term consequence is mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender, which restricts where you can live, work, and travel, and is publicly accessible.
How does a criminal court lawyer defend against these charges?
A defense lawyer builds a case by scrutinizing the investigation for procedural errors, filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, challenging the credibility and consistency of witness testimony, and consulting with forensic experts to counter the prosecution’s scientific evidence. The goal is to create reasonable doubt about the alleged pattern of conduct.
Is it possible to avoid the sex offender registry?
It depends. Avoiding the lifetime registry typically requires the charges to be reduced or dismissed. A skilled defense lawyer negotiates with prosecutors, often arguing weaknesses in the “course of conduct” evidence, to seek a plea to a lesser offense that does not carry mandatory registration. This is a primary objective in building a defense.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles general criminal defense in Augusta County, DUI/DWI charges, and family law matters. For more information on sex crime defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Shenandoah County and Rockingham County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree charge.
Augusta is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.