Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Arlington County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County.
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, with lascivious intent, propose that a child under 15 years old perform or submit to a sexual act. This includes any proposal, suggestion, or communication, whether verbal, written, or electronic. The law is designed to protect children from predatory advances, and the prosecution does not need to prove any physical contact occurred. The focus is on the defendant’s intent and the proposal made to the child.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Arlington County cases are handled through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges
Felony indecent liberties charges in Arlington County begin with a preliminary hearing at the Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). The Commonwealth’s Attorney must present probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. These cases often involve digital evidence from phones or computers, which requires careful forensic analysis. The prosecution aggressively seeks convictions that trigger lifetime registry requirements under Va. Code § 9.1-901, making early defense intervention critical.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned in Arlington County General District Court, where the charge is formally read.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held within 21-60 days to determine if probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury, which issues a true bill of indictment for a felony trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You are re-arraigned in Arlington County Circuit Court, and trial dates are set.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and engages in plea negotiations, often focused on avoiding sex offender registration.
- 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 Arlington County
In Arlington 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 if sentenced as a misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (§ 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or 12 months if misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that an indecent liberties charge threatens your freedom, reputation, and future. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific facts of your case to protect your rights. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders,” ensuring you have a dedicated team fighting for you.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have a documented history of achieving favorable results in sensitive cases. In Baltimore County, Maryland, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with promoting/distributing child pornography. In another Maryland case, we negotiated a suspended sentence with probation for a possession of child pornography charge. While these results are from other jurisdictions, they demonstrate our firm’s commitment to vigorous defense in complex matters. Mr. Sris, our founder, provides strategic oversight on all major sex crime cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Arlington County residents trust, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 963-1515
Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indecent Liberties Charges
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Arlington County, Virginia?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A felony indecent liberties conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-370 mandates lifetime registration under § 9.1-901. A primary defense goal is charge reduction to avoid this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. From arrest to trial, a case typically takes 3-12 months. A preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days. Processing digital forensic evidence can extend the timeline by several months.
What does “lascivious intent” mean in an indecent liberties charge?
It means a state of mind driven by sexual desire or lust. The prosecution must prove you had this specific intent when proposing a sexual act to a child, which is often a key point for a child sex offense defense lawyer Arlington County to challenge.
Can an indecent liberties charge be reduced?
Yes. An experienced indecent liberties charge lawyer Arlington County can often negotiate a reduction to a non-registry offense like disorderly conduct, depending on the evidence and the defendant’s background.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Arlington County criminal defense and the Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria City.
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 charge.
For the background behind a Arlington County charge, our page explains how Virginia courts handle a indecent liberties with a child charge.