Indecent Liberties With A Child Lawyer in Madison, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
In Madison County, Virginia, indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these serious charges.
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 or knowingly and intentionally expose their sexual or genital parts to any child under the age of 15, or to propose that such a child expose their sexual or genital parts. The law also prohibits proposing any act of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child under 15. The offense is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-901).
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Madison County General District Court website.
Defending an Indecent Liberties Charge in Madison County
Defending against an indecent liberties charge in Madison County requires a precise understanding of both the law and local court procedures. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction are severe and permanent. A key defense strategy often involves challenging the intent element of the crime, as the statute requires a knowing and intentional act. Misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or false allegations can form the basis of a strong defense. Given the rural nature of Madison County, digital evidence and witness credibility are frequently central to these cases.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond may be denied or set high for these charges.
- General District Court Preliminary Hearing: A hearing at the Madison County General District Court (1 Main Street) is held to determine if there is probable cause to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, it proceeds in Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment & Pre-Trial: You enter a plea in Circuit Court. Your attorney will file motions, review discovery, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea Agreement: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea, often focused on avoiding sex offender registration.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, you face prison time and are required to register as a sex offender for life.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties in Virginia
In Madison County, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| 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 | 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.
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 can upend your life, and we focus on building defenses that protect your future and your rights. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving digital evidence, which is common in these charges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 45 total documented case results across all practice areas in Madison County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our approach combines thorough investigation, aggressive motion practice, and strategic negotiation. For indecent liberties charges, a primary goal is often to seek a reduction to a non-registry offense or secure a dismissal where the evidence permits. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings critical insight into defending against allegations involving minors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Legal Help for Madison County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Madison County courts. As an indecent liberties with a child lawyer near Madison Virginia, we provide 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We offer legal help to residents throughout Madison County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Madison County, 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 Madison County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Madison County, Virginia?
Yes, most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including indecent liberties with a child, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A core defense strategy is often to negotiate a charge reduction to avoid this mandatory registry requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Madison County, Virginia?
These cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence like DNA can extend the timeline by several months.
What should I do if I am accused of indecent liberties with a child?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone about the case without an attorney. Immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer who handles sex crimes. An attorney can protect your rights during questioning and begin investigating the allegations against you to build a defense.
Can indecent liberties charges be dropped?
It is possible. Charges may be dropped or reduced if the evidence is weak, if your rights were violated during the investigation, or if the accuser recants. An experienced attorney can file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal or favorable plea agreement.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist with general criminal defense and DUI charges in Madison County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Madison is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on indecent liberties with a child lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.