Indecent Liberties with a Child lawyer Bedford County, VA

An accusation under Virginia Code § 18.2‑370 is a Class 5 felony that can reshape every part of a person’s life. Individuals facing indecent‑liberties charges in Bedford County are prosecuted in the Bedford County Circuit Court, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office handles these matters actively. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has defended sex‑crime cases in Bedford County and throughout the Twenty‑fourth Judicial District for many years. Our Shenandoah location—serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, and the surrounding communities—provides representation from the preliminary hearing in the Bedford County General District Court through trial, if necessary. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect clients’ rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and seek the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances of each case. To discuss your situation and learn how we can help, call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Indecent Liberties with a Child Means in Bedford County, Virginia

Under Va. Code § 18.2‑370, a person eighteen or older commits the offense by knowingly and intentionally taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of fifteen to whom they are not legally married. The statute is broad, and what constitutes “indecent liberties” is defined by case law and the specific facts alleged. Because the charge is a Class 5 felony, a conviction carries the potential for a substantial prison sentence and a significant fine, in addition to mandatory sex‑offender registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act.

Bedford County is a rural community in south‑central Virginia, and anyone charged with this offense will first appear in the Bedford County General District Court at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. That court handles bond determinations and preliminary hearings. If a judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court, also located at 123 East Main Street, is the trial court of record for felony matters. The timeline for resolution depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the evidence, but these cases often move through a preliminary hearing phase before proceeding to a circuit‑court trial date. Defense counsel who is familiar with the local clerks’ offices, the scheduling practices of the Court, and the approach of the Commonwealth’s Attorney can help a client understand what to expect at each stage.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle These Cases

Every indecent‑liberties case begins with a thorough review of the allegations. The firm’s attorneys examine the charging documents, police reports, forensic evidence—including any DNA analysis or digital records that may be involved—and the statements of the complaining witness and other witnesses. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the Commonwealth builds its case, what kinds of evidence are emphasized, and where procedural or evidentiary weaknesses may exist. That insight often informs the defense strategy from the very first court appearance.

The firm works to resolve cases at the earliest appropriate stage, whether that means negotiating a reduction of the charge, advocating for a bond that allows the client to remain out of custody, or preparing for trial when a resolution cannot be reached. In Bedford County, as elsewhere in Virginia, the prospect of mandatory sex‑offender registration makes charge‑reduction discussions especially important. An amendment of the charge or a favorable disposition at trial can avoid registration requirements and the collateral consequences that follow. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach every case with the goal of obtaining the trusted realistic outcome while keeping the client informed of developments and options at each step.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and has handled criminal defense matters in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York for his entire career. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a prosecutor gives him a distinct perspective on how the state constructs its sex‑crime cases, and he applies that knowledge in the defense of individuals facing serious felony charges in Bedford County.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who bring complementary strengths to the defense of indecent‑liberties cases. Collectively, they have decades of trial experience, including backgrounds in complex felony defense, forensic‑evidence analysis, and criminal procedure. The team works collaboratively—reviewing discovery, consulting with forensic experts when appropriate, and preparing every case for the possibility of trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. in any future matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal definition of indecent liberties with a child in Virginia?

Indecent liberties with a child is defined by Va. Code § 18.2‑370. It prohibits an adult from knowingly and intentionally taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of fifteen when the adult is not married to the child. The offense is a Class 5 felony, which subjects a convicted person to a range of potential penalties including a term of imprisonment and a fine, as well as mandatory sex‑offender registration.

What should I do if I am being investigated for indecent liberties in Bedford County?

If you learn that you are under investigation, do not discuss the facts with anyone other than an attorney. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who handles sex‑crime cases in Bedford County before speaking with law enforcement. Early involvement of counsel can affect how the investigation proceeds and can help protect your rights from the outset.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if I am convicted?

A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2‑370 for indecent liberties with a child ordinarily triggers mandatory registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act, Va. Code § 9.1‑901. Registration is a lifetime requirement for most felony sex offenses, and failure to register is itself a separate criminal offense. Because registration carries profound consequences—including restrictions on where you may live and work—avoiding a conviction that triggers registration is often a central goal of the defense.

How does a case move through the Bedford County courts?

After an arrest or the issuance of a warrant, the case begins in the Bedford County General District Court. At the initial appearance the court addresses bond, and a preliminary hearing is set. At that hearing the judge determines whether there is probable cause to certify the case to the Bedford County Circuit Court. If certified, the case proceeds to a grand jury and, if indicted, to trial. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the evidence and the court’s schedule, but having an attorney who knows the local procedures can help you understand how your case is likely to progress.

Can an indecent‑liberties charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, it is possible for an indecent‑liberties charge to be reduced or, in some circumstances, dismissed. Reduction may occur through negotiations with the prosecutor when there are weaknesses in the state’s evidence, when the alleged facts do not fully support the charge, or when the defense presents compelling mitigating information. Dismissal may be possible if the court grants a motion to suppress key evidence or if the Commonwealth is unable to meet its burden of proof. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and applicable law.

How can I speak with a Bedford County indecent‑liberties lawyer?

To discuss your case, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. The firm’s Shenandoah location represents clients throughout Bedford County, including Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. Appointments are by appointment only; please call ahead to arrange a time. You will speak with a member of our team who can advise you on the next steps and, if appropriate, begin working on your defense immediately.

Virginia legal resources (open in new window):
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses Generally ·
Bedford County Circuit Court

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