Augusta County Sex Crimes Lawyer: Defending Against Charges for Relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos
Relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos is a serious felony in Virginia, prosecuted aggressively in Augusta County. A conviction can mean decades in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients against these charges, challenging evidence and protecting constitutional rights. Contact our Augusta County abogado for a confidential case review.
Virginia Law on Sexual Contact with Minors
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, the crime commonly referred to as “relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos” is formally defined under statutes addressing carnal knowledge of a child and taking indecent liberties. The specific charges and penalties depend heavily on the age of the minor and the age difference. Virginia Code § 18.2-63 addresses carnal knowledge of a child between 13 and 15 years old where the accused is at least 18. This is a Class 4 felony. For minors aged 15 or older, charges may fall under statutes like taking indecent liberties with a minor (Va. Code § 18.2-370.1) if the accused is in a position of authority, or other sexual battery laws. The legal definitions are precise, and the prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For local court procedures, visit the 25th Judicial Circuit of Virginia website, which includes Augusta County.
Augusta County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Sex crime cases in Augusta County begin with an arrest or indictment and proceed through the Augusta County Circuit Court. The process is formal and high-stakes. An experienced Augusta County abogado understands that local prosecutors approach these cases with significant resources.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be booked and brought before a magistrate. An attorney can advise you on bail arguments.
- Preliminary Hearing (if applicable): In felony cases, this hearing tests the prosecution’s probable cause. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty. All future motions and hearings are filed here.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense attorney files motions to suppress illegal evidence and compels the prosecution to share all its evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, sentencing follows. A conviction for a sex crime against a minor typically triggers mandatory registration under the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Potential Penalties for Relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos
In Augusta County, a conviction for relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos can result in lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and lifelong consequences as a registered sex offender.
| Offense (Va. Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnal Knowledge of Child 13-15 (§ 18.2-63) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory Sex Offender Registration |
| Taking Indecent Liberties (§ 18.2-370.1) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years* | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory Sex Offender Registration |
| Sexual Battery (§ 18.2-67.4) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Possible Registration |
*Or in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to 12 months.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crimes Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique perspective to defending sex crime allegations. Our team understands both how the Commonwealth builds its cases and how to find weaknesses in their arguments. We approach every case with the goal of protecting your freedom and future.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of defending clients against serious charges. Our firm-wide results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC include over 4,739 cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In sex crime cases, favorable outcomes can include charges being dropped, reduced to non-sex offenses, or acquittals at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Augusta County Defense Lawyers
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout the region. If you are facing allegations involving relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos, immediate action is crucial.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
We serve clients in Augusta County and surrounding communities such as Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, and Stuarts Draft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the age of consent in Virginia?
The age of consent in Virginia is 18. However, Virginia has a “close-in-age” exception (often called a Romeo and Juliet law) under Va. Code § 18.2-371.1. This provides a defense if the minor is at least 15, the accused is under 18, and the contact was consensual.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. An experienced Augusta County abogado can challenge the evidence, argue violations of your rights, or negotiate with the prosecutor. Outcomes depend on case specifics, but reductions to non-sex offenses or dismissals are possible goals in a strong defense strategy.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
Yes, a conviction for most offenses involving a minor, like carnal knowledge or taking indecent liberties, carries mandatory lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. Avoiding a conviction is the primary way to avoid this lifelong consequence.
What should I do if I am being investigated?
Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, and an attorney can intervene to protect your rights from the very start of the case.
How long does a case like this take?
Felony sex crime cases in Circuit Court often take a year or more to resolve, from arrest through pre-trial motions to either a plea agreement or trial. The timeline is influenced by case complexity, evidence, and court scheduling.
Internal Links: For related defense help, see our pages on Virginia Sex Crimes Lawyer, Augusta County Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Augusta County Domestic Violence Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding relaciones sexuales con un menor de 15 a 17 anos, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.