Virginia Beach Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
An indecent liberties with a child charge under Va. Code § 18.2-370 is a Class 6 felony in Virginia Beach, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious allegations.
Virginia Law on Indecent Liberties with a Child
In Virginia, the crime of indecent liberties with a child is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370. This statute makes it illegal for a person 18 years or older to propose, suggest, or take any indecent liberty with a child under the age of 15 for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying any person. The law covers a broad range of conduct, not just physical contact, including lewd proposals or communications. A conviction is a Class 6 felony.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these cases in Virginia Beach are handled by the Virginia Beach General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for trials.
Defense Strategy for Indecent Liberties Charges in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach prosecutors treat indecent liberties cases with extreme seriousness due to the vulnerable nature of the alleged victim. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office will often seek high, secured bonds and push for convictions that trigger the sex offender registry. Defense strategy must immediately challenge the intent element of the statute and the credibility of the allegations. Forensic analysis of digital communications is often critical.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer the moment you are aware of an allegation.
- Case Assessment & Bond Hearing: Your attorney will review all known facts to prepare for an initial bond hearing, arguing for your release with conditions if possible.
- Preliminary Hearing: At Virginia Beach General District Court, your lawyer can challenge the probable cause for the felony charge, potentially getting it reduced or dismissed.
- Investigation & Discovery: Your defense team will subpoena records, analyze digital evidence, and interview witnesses to build your defense.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable plea or prepare a vigorous trial defense in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Indecent Liberties with a Child in Virginia
In Virginia Beach, a conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 carries severe, long-term consequences beyond incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indecent Liberties with a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail if sentenced as a misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; severe restrictions on housing and employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime 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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a child sex offense defense lawyer Virginia Beach case and the unique procedures of the local courts. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, is particularly adept at handling cases involving complex digital evidence.
Documented Case Results
Our approach to sex crime defense is informed by a history of achieving favorable resolutions. In Virginia Beach, we have 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our firm’s extensive experience includes securing dismissals and favorable negotiations in sensitive matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Indecent Liberties with a Child Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We provide legal support to individuals in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an indecent liberty with a child in Virginia?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-370, it is any lewd or lascivious act, proposal, or suggestion by someone 18 or older directed at a child under 15, with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify. This can include inappropriate touching, sexually explicit conversations, or propositions, even without physical contact.
What is the penalty for indecent liberties with a child in Virginia Beach?
A Class 6 felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. The most severe consequence is mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender, which imposes lifelong restrictions on housing, employment, and community life.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction for indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2-370 requires lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry under § 9.1-901. This is why an indecent liberties charge lawyer Virginia Beach will prioritize strategies aimed at avoiding a registry-triggering conviction.
What are common defenses to an indecent liberties charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to arouse, mistaken identity, false allegations, insufficient evidence, and constitutional violations during the investigation. An attorney will analyze the specific facts, including text messages or online communications, to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
How long does a typical case take?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by either a plea agreement or a trial in Circuit Court. Complex cases with digital evidence may take longer.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides strong defense for criminal defense in Virginia Beach and DUI charges in Virginia Beach. For a broader view of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Virginia Beach, our page on indecent liberties with a child charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.