Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Prince George County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Prince George County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for those accused. If you need an indecent liberties with a child lawyer Prince George County, contact us immediately.
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 illegal for any person 18 years or older to propose, suggest, or take any indecent liberty with a child under 15, with the intent of sexually arousing or gratifying any person. This is a broad statute that can cover various actions, not just physical contact. The law also includes a specific provision for custodians (Va. Code § 18.2-370.1), which carries more severe penalties.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Prince George County are handled at the Prince George County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Indecent Liberties Charges in Prince George County
In Prince George County, an indecent liberties charge begins with an arrest or summons. The case starts in the Prince George County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Prince George County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes these cases, and they often involve digital evidence like text messages or social media communications.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested or served a summons. Your first court date is an arraignment in General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution must show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned again in Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all discovery from the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through negotiated plea agreements aimed at minimizing penalties.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, the court imposes sentence. A felony conviction triggers mandatory sex offender registration.
Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Prince George 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 for a misdemeanor conversion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with Child (§ 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years prison (or misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of professional licenses, restricted employment/housing. |
| Indecent Liberties by Custodian (§ 18.2-370.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, loss of custody/visitation rights. |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe, life-altering consequences of a sex crime conviction, especially one involving a child. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future from the collateral damage of a registry requirement.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of handling sensitive cases. In Prince George County, we have 7 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 43% favorable outcome rate. For example, our team has secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography promotion cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in other complex matters. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings critical insight to defending against allegations involving minors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Prince George County Indecent Liberties Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive). We are accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 156, near Fort Gregg-Adams and the Hopewell area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 423-1382
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve the Prince George and Hopewell areas.
FAQs: Indecent Liberties Charges in Prince George County
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Prince George County, Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. The court can also impose fines up to $2,500.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an indecent liberties conviction in Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-370 requires lifetime registration under § 9.1-901, mandating reporting of your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement.
What is the difference between indecent liberties and sexual battery?
Indecent liberties (Va. Code § 18.2-370) involves proposals or actions with a child under 15 with sexual intent and may not require physical touch. Sexual battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) involves unwanted sexual touching and is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties and registry requirements differ significantly.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends on the evidence and case specifics. A skilled child sex offense defense lawyer Prince George County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate for reductions to non-registry offenses like simple assault, which is a common defense strategy to avoid lifelong consequences.
How long does an indecent liberties case take?
These cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial in Prince George County Circuit Court. The timeline can be extended by pre-trial motions, forensic evidence review, and negotiation periods. A preliminary hearing in General District Court usually occurs within 21-60 days of arrest.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these serious allegations, you need an experienced Virginia sex crime defense lawyer. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal issues in Prince George County, see our pages on criminal defense and DUI defense.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Prince George County cases are handled by our Virginia indecent liberties with a child practice, where the whole process is set out.