Sexual Performance Using A Minor Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Sexual performance using a minor is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, carrying severe penalties including mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration. In Bedford County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these charges, with documented results in the locality.
Virginia Law on Sexual Performance Using a Minor
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 defines the crime of sexual performance using a minor. This statute makes it illegal for any person to employ, authorize, or induce a minor to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of producing any visual material, such as a photograph, film, or video. The law applies regardless of whether the minor consents. The definition of “sexual conduct” is broad and includes actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals, pubic area, or anus.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex sex crime defenses across Virginia.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Bedford County cases can be found on the Bedford County General District Court website.
Defense Strategy for Bedford County Cases
In Bedford County, felony sex crime trials are held in the Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first occurring in the General District Court. A defense against charges of sexual performance using a minor often involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding intent, the age of the minor, and the nature of the performance. Given the severe, lifelong consequences of a conviction—including mandatory registration—strategic negotiation for charge reduction is a critical focus. Our approach is informed by direct experience in these courts.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer specializing in sex crimes defense.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your attorney will review all evidence, including any digital forensics, and identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will begin with a hearing in Bedford County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to proceed to trial.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If the case advances, all trial activity, including motions to suppress evidence and plea negotiations, occurs in Bedford County Circuit Court.
- Trial or Resolution: Your attorney will either present a defense at trial or work to negotiate a resolution that minimizes the long-term impact on your life.
Potential Penalties for Sexual Performance Using a Minor
In Bedford County, a conviction for sexual performance using a minor under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Performance Using a Minor (First Offense) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, possible GPS monitoring |
| Sexual Performance Using a Minor (Subsequent Offense) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crimes Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep experience in Virginia sex crime statutes. We understand the high stakes involved in charges like sexual performance using a minor and build defenses focused on protecting your rights and future. Our firm-wide track record includes thousands of case results.
Case Results in Bedford County
Our firm has documented results in Bedford County for sex crime defenses. In one case, our defense lawyer successfully negotiated a reduction of a serious felony charge, avoiding the mandatory lifetime sex offender registry for our client. In another, we secured a favorable outcome that protected the client’s future. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services, brings specific insight to cases involving minors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bedford County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Bedford County courts on East Main Street. We are accessible via major routes like Route 460 and Route 122. We provide legal counsel to residents of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. If you need a sexual performance using a minor lawyer near Bedford, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Bedford County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by specific charge. For example, rape (§ 18.2-61) carries 5 years to life. Forcible sodomy: 5 years to life. Aggravated sexual battery: 1-20 years. Indecent liberties with a child: 1-5 years. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Bedford County General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Bedford County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A strong defense focuses on avoiding a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Bedford County, Virginia?
It depends on the case complexity. Typically, a case takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing occurs in General District Court within 21-60 days. Processing forensic evidence like DNA can extend the timeline by several months.
What should I do if charged with a sex crime in Bedford County?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Sex crime charges carry severe penalties including mandatory registration. Our firm has former prosecutors with defense experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What does “sexual performance using a minor” mean in Virginia law?
It is a Class 4 felony defined under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. It involves employing, authorizing, or inducing a minor to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of producing visual material like a photo or video, regardless of the minor’s consent.
Can a charge for sexual performance using a minor be reduced?
It depends on the evidence and circumstances. A skilled criminal court lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors, potentially reducing the charge to an offense that does not carry mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, which is often the primary defense goal.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, we also assist with criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases in Bedford County. For more information on Virginia sex crimes defense, visit our state hub page. We also represent clients in nearby areas like Shenandoah County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding sexual performance using a minor lawyer services in Bedford VA.
If your case reaches beyond Bedford, our page on sexual performance using a minor charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.