Bedford County Lawyer for Relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos Charges
Relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos is a serious felony offense in Virginia, governed by specific statutes that carry severe penalties. If you are facing such charges in Bedford County, securing an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, the law strictly prohibits sexual activity with minors. The specific charges and their severity depend heavily on the age of the minor, the age of the accused, and the nature of the act. Charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. A conviction for relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos can result in lengthy prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and lifelong consequences. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, understands how these statutes are applied and can build a defense strategy accordingly.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the Virginia Code (official Virginia General Assembly website). For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Bedford County Courts website.
Bedford County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Sex crime cases in Bedford County typically begin in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for preliminary matters but are ultimately tried in the Bedford County Circuit Court if the defendant is an adult. The process is formal and complex. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction take these allegations very seriously, and the social stigma can be intense even before a trial begins.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be formally charged and brought before a magistrate or judge for a bond hearing.
- Preliminary Hearing (if applicable): In felony cases, this hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to the grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: A grand jury reviews the evidence to issue a formal indictment.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and exchanges evidence with the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos
In Bedford County, a conviction for relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos can result in decades in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and substantial fines, depending on the specific statute violated.
| Offense (Example) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnal Knowledge of Minor 13-14 by Adult 18+ (Va. Code § 18.2-63) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration |
| Taking Indecent Liberties with Minor (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our philosophy is “Advocacy Without Borders,” meaning we aggressively defend our clients’ rights regardless of the severity of the accusation. We have handled thousands of criminal cases across multiple states, developing strategies that address both the legal charges and the collateral damage to reputation and family.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
The firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. While every case is unique, our approach is thorough and strategic. We investigate all aspects of the accusation, from the validity of the evidence and the conduct of law enforcement to the credibility of witnesses. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, contributes significant depth to our defense team on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Bedford County Defense
If you need a relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos Abogado del condado de Bedford, our firm is accessible to residents throughout the area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the age of consent in Virginia?
The age of consent in Virginia is 18. Sexual activity with anyone under 18 can lead to criminal charges, with severity increasing if the minor is 15 or younger.
Can I be charged if the minor lied about their age?
It depends. Virginia law does not generally recognize a mistake-of-age defense for these serious offenses. However, specific circumstances, such as a very small age gap, might be relevant under certain statutes and can be argued as part of your defense strategy.
What does sex offender registration involve in Virginia?
It is a lifelong requirement for many offenses. It involves providing personal information to state police, regular in-person verification, and public listing on the registry, severely restricting where you can live, work, and travel.
Will I go to jail immediately if charged?
Not necessarily. The judge at your bond hearing will decide if you can be released before trial. An experienced attorney can argue for reasonable bond conditions, which may include supervision or electronic monitoring.
How can a Condado de Bedford abogado help my case?
A local attorney understands the Bedford County court system, the prosecutors, and the judges. This knowledge is crucial for handling procedures, filing effective motions, and building a defense strategy case-specific to this specific jurisdiction.
Related Legal Services: If you are facing other criminal allegations, we also defend clients against assault charges in Bedford County and domestic violence charges.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. For the most current advice regarding relaciones sexuales con menores de 15 a 17 anos charges, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.