Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian Defense in Rockingham County, VA
Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 is a serious felony in Rockingham County, carrying 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. A conviction can permanently alter your life and family relationships. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 § 18.2-370.01. This statute makes it a Class 6 felony for a custodian or person with supervisory authority over a child under 18 to propose that the child engage in sexual acts, expose their genitals, or propose that the child expose themselves. Unlike the general indecent liberties statute (§ 18.2-370), this law specifically targets abuse of a position of trust.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Legal Resources and Court Information
For the official text of the law, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-370.01. Court proceedings for felony charges begin at the Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court for preliminary hearings before moving to Rockingham County Circuit Court for trial.
Defending Against Custodian Indecent Liberties Charges in Rockingham County
Defending against a charge of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian requires a case-specific approach that challenges the prosecution’s evidence on multiple fronts. In Rockingham County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively, and the relationship of trust is a central element the Commonwealth must prove. A child sex offense defense lawyer Rockingham County will scrutinize the allegations for inconsistencies, examine the context of any communication, and evaluate whether the accused’s actions meet the specific legal definition of the crime.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Immediately after an arrest or accusation, contact a defense attorney to secure legal guidance and begin building your defense strategy.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will start in Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court, where the prosecution must show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and seek to have charges reduced or dismissed.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: Your defense team will investigate the allegations, review all evidence (including digital communications), and consult with experts if necessary.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If the case proceeds, it moves to Rockingham County Circuit Court for arraignment, pre-trial motions, and potentially a jury trial.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through a motion to dismiss, a negotiated plea to a lesser charge, or a trial where the defense presents its case to a jury.
Penalties for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian
In Rockingham County, a conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian, a Class 6 felony, carries severe penalties that extend far 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 to 5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, possible GPS monitoring, loss of custody/visitation rights, professional license revocation, and permanent damage to reputation and family relationships. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sensitive Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the significant stakes in a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian case and approach each one with the diligence it demands. Our team, including attorney Matthew Greene who has over 30 years of experience and formerly held a contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, is equipped to handle the complex interpersonal and evidentiary challenges these cases present.
Documented Case Results
In Rockingham County, our firm has a documented record of 30 total case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our history includes achieving dismissals and favorable resolutions in sensitive criminal matters. For example, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography promotion cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in other complex sex offense matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Rockingham County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Rockingham County courts in Harrisonburg. We are accessible via I-81, Route 33, and other major highways. We provide legal representation for individuals in Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Dayton, Elkton, Timberville, and Broadway.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 Rockingham County, 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 5 years to life.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Rockingham County, Virginia?
Yes. A felony conviction for Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian under Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 requires lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. Avoiding a conviction that triggers the registry is a primary defense goal.
How long does a sex crime case take in Rockingham County, 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 Circuit Court proceedings. Complex evidence like digital forensics can extend the timeline.
What is the difference between § 18.2-370 and § 18.2-370.01?
Va. Code § 18.2-370 is the general indecent liberties statute. Va. Code § 18.2-370.01 specifically applies when the accused is a custodian or has supervisory authority over the child, representing a greater abuse of trust and carrying the same severe penalties.
Why do I need a lawyer for a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge?
The consequences of a conviction are life-altering, including prison, lifetime registry, and family dissolution. An experienced child sex offense defense lawyer Rockingham County can investigate the allegations, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at every stage, which is critical for anyone facing a Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charge.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles general criminal defense and DUI defense in Rockingham County. For a broader view of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Shenandoah County and Augusta County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current information regarding Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by Custodian charges, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
The same rules apply outside Rockingham County, and our page on taking indecent liberties with a child by custodian charges across Virginia walks through each stage.