Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Defense in Prince William County, Virginia
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Prince William County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 22 documented local sex crime results, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Virginia Law on Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
Virginia law treats offenses against children with extreme seriousness, particularly when the accused is in a position of trust. The specific statute for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer Prince William County cases is Va. Code § 18.2-370.01. This law makes it a felony for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose or take any indecent liberty with that child with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify. A “custodian” includes parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or any person responsible for the child’s care.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for these cases in Prince William County are handled through the Prince William County Circuit Court website.
Prince William County Court Process for Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges
All felony Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer Prince William County cases begin with a preliminary hearing at the Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas). The Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to Prince William County Circuit Court for trial. Given the sensitive nature, these cases often involve forensic interviews of the child and digital evidence review. A custodian indecent liberties lawyer Prince William County must be prepared to handle these complex evidence issues from the outset.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned in General District Court, where bond conditions are set. Custody-related charges often result in high secured bonds and no-contact orders.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 21-60 days, a hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury, which issues a formal indictment, moving the case to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or challenge procedures and reviews all discovery, including forensic reports and interview recordings.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction or prepares for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registry: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. A felony conviction under § 18.2-370.01 mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Prince William 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 mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian (Va. Code § 18.2-370.01) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime Sex Offender Registration; Possible GPS Monitoring; Loss of Custody/Visitation Rights; Professional License Revocation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of a child sex offense defense lawyer Prince William County matter, where a conviction alters every aspect of your life. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific evidence and procedural details of your case in Prince William County courts.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record in sex crime defense. In Prince William County, we have 22 documented sex crime results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 9 reduced/amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes—a 100% favorable outcome rate. For example, our team has secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography distribution cases and favorable probationary sentences in other complex matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on these critical cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Prince William County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing charges at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We represent individuals in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. If you need a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian lawyer Prince William County near the Prince William County Courthouse, we are accessible for appointments.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the penalty for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 requires lifetime registration under § 9.1-901, making charge reduction a critical defense goal to avoid this consequence.
What is the difference between this and regular indecent liberties?
The key difference is the relationship. Standard indecent liberties (§ 18.2-370) applies to any person. The “by custodian” statute (§ 18.2-370.01) applies specifically to parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, or others with supervisory authority, and the penalties reflect the breach of trust.
How long does a case like this take?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline can be extended by forensic evidence analysis, such as reviewing electronic devices or experienced evaluation of interview techniques.
What should I do if I am investigated for this charge?
Immediately contact a child sex offense defense lawyer Prince William County. Do not speak to law enforcement or child protective services without an attorney present. Statements are often the prosecution’s primary evidence.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Prince William County criminal defense or return to our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian in Prince William County.
If you want to see how a Prince William County case fits into the wider process, our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.