Isle of Wight County Lawyer for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
A charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 is a serious Class 6 felony in Isle of Wight County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: March 2026 | Isle of Wight County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses involving children with extreme severity. The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This law makes it a felony 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 statute is designed to protect the trust relationship between a child and their custodian. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has extensive experience defending against these complex allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Isle of Wight County cases are handled at the Isle of Wight County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Circuit Court.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any interview with law enforcement.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing at the Isle of Wight County General District Court.
- We will scrutinize the evidence, including any digital communications or witness statements, for constitutional violations.
- Our team will engage in pre-trial negotiations, focusing on avoiding a conviction that triggers mandatory lifetime registry.
- If necessary, we will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Isle of Wight County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for a Conviction
In Isle of Wight County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian carries severe, long-term consequences beyond incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.01) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901; loss of custody/visitation; prohibition from certain employment. |
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 bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have achieved 4,739+ favorable results firm-wide. In Isle of Wight County, we have 8 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our approach is built on thorough case investigation and strategic negotiation aimed at protecting our clients’ rights and futures.
Documented Case Results
Our defense team, including secondary attorney Matthew Greene who brings 30+ years of experience including a former 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, has a history of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. While every case is unique, our past work includes dismissals and charge reductions in sex offense matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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) 201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Isle of Wight County. We are accessible via Route 10, Route 258, Route 17, and Route 460. If you need a child sex offense defense lawyer Isle of Wight County, our team is familiar with the local courts. We serve the communities of Smithfield, Windsor, and Carrollton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Isle of Wight County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison as a Class 6 felony. Most felony sex crime convictions also require mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Cases begin at the Isle of Wight County General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Isle of Wight 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 makes negotiating a charge reduction to avoid a registry-triggering conviction a primary defense goal.
How long does a sex crime case take in Isle of Wight County, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at the General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. The Circuit Court trial can take 3-12 months to schedule, with potential delays for forensic evidence analysis.
What makes a “custodian” under Virginia’s indecent liberties law?
A custodian includes a parent, guardian, or anyone responsible for supervising a child’s welfare, such as a teacher, coach, or babysitter. The law imposes a higher duty of care, and violations are punished more severely than similar acts by a non-custodian.
Can I be charged if there was no physical contact?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 criminalizes acts intended to sexually arouse either party, which can include suggestive communication, exposure, or other behavior that violates the custodian’s duty, even without physical touch.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and with related issues such as Criminal Defense in Isle of Wight County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Isle of Wight County, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian charges across Virginia walks through each stage.