Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Defense in Arlington County, Virginia
A charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 is a serious Class 6 felony in Arlington County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses against children with extreme severity, especially when the accused is in a position of trust. The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is Va. Code § 18.2-370.1. This law makes it a crime for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose that the child engage in sexual conduct, expose their genitals, or propose that the child expose themselves, with lascivious intent. A “custodian” includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or any person responsible for the child’s care.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County felony cases are prosecuted in the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Court Process for Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges
In Arlington County, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian begins with an arrest or summons. The case will have a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court. Given the nature of the charge, bond conditions are often strict and may include no contact orders and GPS monitoring. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases aggressively, and a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-900 et seq.).
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond may be denied or set with strict conditions like no contact and GPS monitoring.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing in Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) where the Commonwealth must show probable cause. This is a key early defense opportunity.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If certified, the case goes to a grand jury in Arlington Circuit Court for a formal indictment.
- Circuit Court Arraignment & Pre-Trial: You enter a plea. Extensive pre-trial motions, including challenges to evidence and witness credibility, are filed.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through negotiation aimed at reducing charges to avoid mandatory registry requirements.
- Sentencing & Registry: A conviction results in prison time and mandatory, lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Arlington
In Arlington County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian 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, plus lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.1) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of custody/visitation; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County 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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our deep familiarity with the Arlington County Circuit Court and the tactics of the local Commonwealth’s Attorney provides a distinct advantage in building a defense for charges like Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian.
Case Results for Sex Crime Charges
Our attorneys have achieved favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In Baltimore County, Maryland, we secured a result of 5 years incarceration fully suspended plus 5 years of supervised probation for a client charged with Possession of Child Pornography. In another Maryland case, charges for Promoting/Distributing Child Pornography were dropped entirely (Nolle Prosequi). In Washington, D.C., a misdemeanor sex abuse charge was dismissed. For charges involving Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, early and strategic defense is essential to protect your future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 963-1515
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Charges
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Arlington County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by crime. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, it’s a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Rape carries 5 years to life. Most convictions require lifetime registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is to avoid a conviction that triggers registration.
How long does a sex crime case take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends on the case complexity. Typically, 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing occurs in General District Court within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may take 3-12 months. Processing forensic evidence like digital data can extend the timeline further.
What does “custodian” mean under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1?
A custodian is any person responsible for supervising a child’s welfare. This includes parents, guardians, step-parents, teachers, coaches, babysitters, or any person with temporary care and control. The law imposes a higher duty on those in positions of trust.
Can I be charged if no physical contact occurred?
Yes. Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian can be charged based on proposing sexual conduct or exposure, or making a child expose themselves, with lascivious intent. Physical contact is not required for this charge, making the defense against allegations highly dependent on context and intent.
Why do I need a specialized custodian indecent liberties lawyer Arlington County?
These cases involve complex evidence, strict procedural rules, and severe lifelong consequences like the sex offender registry. A specialized lawyer understands how to challenge forensic interviews, digital evidence, and witness credibility in Arlington County courts to fight for charge reduction or dismissal.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for criminal defense in Arlington County and DUI defense in Arlington County. For all Virginia sex crime defense information, visit our Virginia sex crime lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria City.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Arlington County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.