Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Fauquier County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is a serious felony offense under Va. Code § 18.2-29, involving the intent to have another person commit a crime. A conviction in Fauquier County can result in significant prison time and a permanent felony record. As a criminal solicitation lawyer Fauquier County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation is defined under Virginia law as commanding, entreating, or otherwise attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor, with the intent that the crime be committed. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-29, makes it a separate crime from the underlying offense being solicited. The severity of the solicitation charge is tied to the crime you are accused of soliciting. For example, soliciting someone to commit murder is a far more serious felony than soliciting a lesser offense. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent for the crime to be carried out. Defenses often challenge whether a true agreement or incitement existed, or if the communication was merely idle talk or a misunderstanding.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-29 (Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Fauquier County are managed by the Fauquier County General District Court.
Fauquier County Court Process for Solicitation Charges
In Fauquier County, a criminal solicitation charge typically begins with an arrest or summons. The case starts in the Fauquier County General District Court for a preliminary hearing if it is a felony. At this stage, the judge determines if there is probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court for trial. For a solicitation of crime defense lawyer Fauquier County, early intervention is critical to challenge the evidence before it moves to a higher court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases, which often involve electronic evidence like texts or social media messages.
- Initial Court Appearance: You will be arraigned in General District Court, where the charges are formally read.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony solicitation, a hearing is held to establish probable cause for the case to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be re-arraigned in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge based on legal defects.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where penalties are imposed.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Fauquier County, a criminal solicitation charge carries penalties based on the felony or misdemeanor you are accused of soliciting, including potential prison time and fines.
| Offense Solicited | Classification of Solicitation | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony (e.g., murder, robbery) | Class 6 Felony (or higher if underlying crime is more severe) | 1-5 years (or more) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, professional license implications. |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, potential impact on employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Fauquier County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Fauquier County, we have a documented record of 73 case results across all practice areas. We understand the local legal field, including the procedures at the courthouse on 6 Court Street in Warrenton. Our approach involves a detailed review of all evidence, particularly communications, to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s claim of criminal intent.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results for Solicitation Charges
Our firm has successfully defended clients against solicitation charges. In past cases, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) and reductions of charges, such as having a solicitation of prostitution charge reduced to disorderly conduct. Each case outcome depends on its specific facts and evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Solicitation Defense Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Fauquier County and is accessible via I-66 and Route 29. We provide representation for individuals in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
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, defined as trying to persuade another person to commit a felony or Class 1 misdemeanor, with the intent that the crime actually be committed.
Is solicitation a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Solicitation is punished at the same level as the crime you are accused of soliciting. Soliciting a felony is itself a felony; soliciting a Class 1 misdemeanor is a misdemeanor.
What are common defenses to a criminal solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment by law enforcement, withdrawal from the solicitation, and insufficient evidence that a true solicitation occurred. A solicitation of crime defense lawyer Fauquier County can evaluate the specifics of your communication to build a defense.
Why do I need a lawyer for a solicitation charge?
A criminal solicitation charge lawyer Fauquier County is essential because these cases are complex and hinge on proving intent. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights throughout the court process in Fauquier County.
Where are Fauquier County solicitation cases heard?
Felony solicitation cases begin in Fauquier County General District Court for a preliminary hearing and are tried in Fauquier County Circuit Court at 6 Court Street in Warrenton.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles general criminal defense in Fauquier County and sex crime defense. For a broader view of our services, see our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.