Indecent Liberties with a Child lawyer Arlington County, VA
An accusation of indecent liberties with a child under Virginia Code § 18.2‑370 can immediately threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Arlington County prosecutes these cases actively through both the General District Court and the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing such charges throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive criminal defense experience to each matter, concentrating on building a well‑prepared defense from the first court appearance. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Indecent Liberties with a Child in Arlington County, Virginia
Va. Code § 18.2‑370 defines the offense of taking indecent liberties with a child under 15 years of age. While each case turns on its own facts, the law prohibits a person 18 or older from knowingly and intentionally engaging in specified acts with a minor to whom they are not legally married. The offense is classified as a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential sentence of one to ten years of imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1‑901.
Arlington County handles indecent liberties cases through a two‑stage process. The Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, conducts preliminary hearings. If the matter is certified, the Arlington County Circuit Court at the same address presides over the felony trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel appear in both courts regularly. Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serves clients throughout the 17th Judicial District.
A conviction for taking indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2‑370 is a Class 5 felony punishable by one to ten years of imprisonment, with mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑370; Va. Code § 9.1‑901. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Indecent Liberties Cases
Defending an indecent liberties charge requires meticulous attention to the evidence the Commonwealth’s Attorney may present. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel begin by examining the factual basis of the allegation, including forensic evidence, digital communications, and witness statements. The legal team may challenge the admissibility of scientific or technical evidence, such as DNA analysis or device extraction reports, that the prosecution intends to use.
Throughout the process, the firm maintains close communication with the client, explaining each stage—from the preliminary hearing in General District Court through any potential trial in Circuit Court. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the other side builds a case, which helps identify procedural weaknesses and negotiate for charge reductions or dismissals where the facts warrant. Because a conviction triggers mandatory sex offender registration, much of the defense effort focuses on avoiding or minimizing registration obligations.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. His experience includes a term as a former prosecutor, providing him with a firsthand understanding of prosecution strategies. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered indecent liberties with a child under Virginia law?
Indecent liberties with a child under Va. Code § 18.2‑370 involves an adult knowingly and intentionally engaging in inappropriate conduct with a minor under 15 years of age. The statute prohibits specific sexualized acts that do not necessarily rise to the level of forcible penetration. Because the law is broadly worded, it may cover a range of behavior. The accused must be 18 or older and not legally married to the alleged victim. Every case is fact‑specific.
What are the possible penalties if convicted in Arlington County?
A conviction for indecent liberties with a child is a Class 5 felony carrying one to ten years of imprisonment. The court may also impose lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1‑901. Registration requires reporting addresses, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement, and it imposes residency and employment restrictions. A jury may recommend up to 12 months in jail instead of prison time. The court also retains discretion to impose fines and supervised probation. For case‑specific guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an indecent liberties charge in Arlington?
Yes; an indecent liberties charge is a serious felony that warrants qualified defense representation. The procedural rules in Arlington’s General District Court and Circuit Court can be complex. A conviction carries lifelong consequences beyond incarceration, including mandatory sex offender registration. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, explore potential defenses, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
What happens at the preliminary hearing in Arlington General District Court?
At the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it; if so, the case is certified to the Circuit Court. The Arlington County General District Court judge hears testimony and may dismiss the charge if the evidence is insufficient. This early stage is critical because defense counsel can cross‑examine witnesses and preserve critical facts. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel prepare thoroughly for these hearings to strengthen the defense from the outset.
Can indecent liberties charges be reduced or dismissed?
While each case depends on its own facts, there may be opportunities to negotiate a reduction or seek dismissal. Reduction to a non‑registrable offense is a primary goal because it may avoid sex offender registration. The prosecution’s evidence, the credibility of witnesses, and any constitutional violations all factor into the viability of a reduced charge. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel analyze every aspect of the case to present the strong $1 for mitigation.
Where do I find a lawyer for indecent liberties charges in the Arlington area?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Arlington County from its location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel have experience defending sex crime charges throughout the 17th Judicial District. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
Learn more about our firm’s sex crime defense in nearby counties: Fairfax County · Prince William County · Loudoun County · Stafford County.
Virginia primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses · Arlington County Circuit Court · SCC Business Entity Filings.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.
The statutes referred to above apply across Virginia; see indecent liberties with a child for the full discussion.