Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Defense in Manassas, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1, prosecuted aggressively in Manassas Circuit Court. A conviction carries 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
The specific charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1. This statute makes it a crime for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose or perform any act intended to sexually arouse or gratify any person. This is distinct from the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370) and carries severe penalties due to the breach of trust involved. The law firm Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has extensive experience defending against these allegations in Manassas and across Virginia.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these felony cases begin at the Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Manassas Court Process for Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges
In Manassas, a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian initiates a multi-stage process. The case starts with an arrest or summons. A bond hearing is held at Manassas General District Court, where the court considers the nature of the custodial relationship and the allegations. Given the severity, secured bonds can be high. A preliminary hearing follows to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Manassas Circuit Court for indictment and trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or learning of the investigation.
- Attend the bond hearing at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue).
- Prepare for and attend the preliminary hearing to challenge probable cause.
- If the case is bound over, engage in pre-trial motions and discovery review in Circuit Court.
- Evaluate all options, which may include trial or negotiated resolution to avoid mandatory registry consequences.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Manassas, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1 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.
| 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 under Va. Code § 9.1-901; possible GPS monitoring; 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 by a former prosecutor. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, with more than 4,739 documented case results and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is devastating. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific elements the prosecution must prove, especially the definitions of “custodian” and “lascivious intent.” We actively practice in Manassas courts and are familiar with the local procedures and personnel.
Documented Case Results
Our defense team has achieved favorable results in sensitive cases. In one instance, we secured a dismissal for a client charged with misdemeanor sex abuse in D.C. Superior Court. In Maryland, we negotiated a suspended sentence with probation for a client facing child pornography possession charges. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on these matters, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing critical insight into how these cases are investigated.
Manassas Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts. We are accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We provide legal counsel to individuals throughout Manassas and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Manassas, Virginia?
It depends on the specific crime. For Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, the penalty is 1-5 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. Other crimes like rape carry life sentences. Most convictions require registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, most felony sex crime convictions, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This makes charge reduction a primary defense goal to avoid this consequence.
How long does a sex crime case take in Manassas, Virginia?
Typically 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The process includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by a Circuit Court trial. Complex forensic evidence can extend the timeline.
What does “custodian” mean in this Virginia law?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-370.1, a custodian includes a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or other person responsible for the child’s care. It can also extend to someone with supervisory or disciplinary authority, like a teacher or coach.
What is the difference between this and general indecent liberties?
The key difference is the relationship. General indecent liberties (§ 18.2-370) applies to any child under 15. The custodian statute (§ 18.2-370.1) applies to a person in a position of trust over a child under 18, and the penalties reflect the breach of that trust.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like general criminal defense in Manassas and DUI defense. For similar charges in a nearby area, consult our sex crime defense lawyer in Fairfax page.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Manassas, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian charges across Virginia walks through each stage.