Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370, carrying 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. In Goochland County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused, focusing on evidence challenges and protecting your future.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Virginia, the offense of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370. This statute makes it a crime for a person in a custodial or supervisory role—such as a parent, guardian, teacher, or coach—to engage in sexually suggestive acts with a child under their care, even without physical contact. The law is designed to protect the trust relationship between a child and their custodian. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, has over 25 years of experience handling complex sex offense cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Goochland County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Goochland County cases are handled through the Goochland County Circuit Court website.
Goochland County Court Process for a Custodian Indecent Liberties Charge
Felony charges for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian begin with an arrest and a bond hearing in Goochland County General District Court. A preliminary hearing is held there to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Goochland County prosecutes these cases, which often involve forensic interviews and digital evidence. A child sex offense defense lawyer in Goochland County must immediately work to secure release, preserve all evidence, and begin building a defense strategy focused on the specific allegations and the client’s relationship to the child.
- Arrest & Initial Hearing: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate. A bond hearing is set in Goochland County General District Court.
- Secure Legal Representation: Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will represent you at a probable cause hearing in General District Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be formally arraigned on the felony charge in Goochland County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and engage in negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Goochland County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years, a fine up to $2,500, and lifetime sex offender registration, which imposes strict living and reporting requirements.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, loss of custodial rights, professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a documented favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Our approach in Goochland County is informed by direct knowledge of local court procedures. We understand that a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian threatens your freedom, reputation, and family. We build defenses that scrutinize the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s narrative, and protect your rights at every stage.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable results in sensitive cases. In one Maryland case, a client facing a serious child pornography possession charge received a sentence of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, followed by 5 years of supervised probation. In another case in Baltimore County, a charge of promoting/distributing child pornography was dismissed via a nolle prosequi. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services, frequently collaborates on these complex defenses.
Local Defense for Goochland County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 423-1382
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Goochland County and is accessible via I-64 and Route 6. If you need a custodian indecent liberties lawyer in Goochland County near the courthouse on River Road West, we are available for consultations. We serve the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Goochland County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Other crimes like rape carry 5 years to life. Most felony convictions require lifetime registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Goochland County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This mandates reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. A core defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Goochland County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing time for forensic evidence like digital data can extend the timeline further.
What does “custodian” mean under Va. Code § 18.2-370?
It depends on the relationship. The law defines a custodian as a person responsible for supervising a child’s welfare, either permanently or temporarily. This includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, babysitters, or any adult in a position of authority and trust over the child.
Can I be charged if there was no physical contact?
Yes. The crime of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian can be based on sexually suggestive acts, language, or exposure intended to gratify sexual desires, even without physical touch. The focus is on the breach of the custodial relationship.
Related Pages: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Powhatan County. For other legal needs in Goochland, visit our pages for Criminal Defense and Family Law.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Goochland County.
The same rules apply outside Goochland County, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian charges across Virginia walks through each stage.