Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Alexandria — Defending Against Serious Felony Charges
Criminal solicitation in Alexandria is a serious felony under Virginia law, defined as asking, commanding, or encouraging another person to commit a crime. A conviction can lead to years in prison and a permanent felony record. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need an experienced criminal solicitation lawyer Alexandria. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation is governed by Virginia Code § 18.2-29. The statute makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony, whether that person agrees or not. The offense is complete the moment the solicitation is made; the other person does not need to act. The punishment for solicitation is tied to the crime solicited. If you solicit someone to commit a felony punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years or more, the solicitation is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Soliciting a felony with a maximum penalty of less than 20 years is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see the official Virginia Code § 18.2-29. Court procedures and filings for Alexandria cases are handled through the Alexandria Circuit Court website.
Defending a Criminal Solicitation Charge in Alexandria
Defending against a solicitation charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence, often involving communications like texts, emails, or recorded conversations. The prosecution must prove you specifically intended for the other person to commit the felony. A common defense is that your words were taken out of context, were mere joking or hyperbole, or that you lacked the specific criminal intent required. In Alexandria, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and can move quickly from the General District Court for preliminary hearings to the Circuit Court for trial.
- Secure immediate legal counsel. Do not discuss the case with anyone before speaking to your criminal solicitation lawyer Alexandria.
- Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including police reports, witness statements, and any electronic evidence.
- A defense strategy is built, potentially challenging the intent element or the legality of how evidence was obtained.
- Your attorney will represent you at all hearings, from arraignment in Alexandria General District Court to any potential trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Alexandria, a criminal solicitation charge carries penalties based on the felony you are accused of soliciting, ranging from a misdemeanor with jail time to a felony with years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of a Felony (max penalty < 20 yrs) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Permanent criminal record |
| Solicitation of a Felony (max penalty ≥ 20 yrs) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Alexandria 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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of a felony solicitation charge and the aggressive tactics used by Alexandria prosecutors. Our team, including attorney Matthew Greene who has extensive experience with complex criminal cases in Northern Virginia, works collaboratively to build the strongest possible defense.
Case Results
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive criminal matters. For instance, our attorneys have successfully secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) and charge reductions in solicitation of prostitution cases in Northern Virginia courts. In one Fairfax County case, a solicitation of prostitution charge was reduced to disorderly conduct, a much less serious offense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Alexandria Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer
Our Arlington location serves clients with cases in Alexandria courts. We are accessible to residents of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a crime under Va. Code § 18.2-29 to command, entreat, or attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony. The crime is complete upon the request, regardless of whether the other person agrees or acts.
Is solicitation a felony in Virginia?
It depends on the felony you are accused of soliciting. Soliciting a felony punishable by 20 years or more is a Class 6 felony. Soliciting a felony with a lower maximum penalty is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What are the penalties for criminal solicitation?
A Class 6 felony conviction can result in 1 to 5 years in prison. A Class 1 misdemeanor conviction carries up to 12 months in jail. Both can include fines up to $2,500 and create a permanent criminal record.
Why do I need a solicitation of crime defense lawyer Alexandria?
These charges are complex and the evidence often involves interpreting communications. An experienced criminal solicitation charge lawyer Alexandria can challenge the prosecution’s proof of your intent and work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
What should I do if I’m under investigation?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a criminal solicitation lawyer Alexandria immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist clients in Arlington and with related matters like Criminal Defense in Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.