Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Virginia — Defending Against Solicitation Charges
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is a serious offense where you are accused of asking, encouraging, or commanding another person to commit a felony. A conviction can lead to significant prison time and a permanent felony record. A criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can build a defense focused on intent, lack of agreement, or entrapment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Courts | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Criminal Solicitation Law
Criminal solicitation is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-29. The law makes it a crime to command, encourage, or request another person to engage in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. The crime is complete the moment the solicitation is made, even if the other person never agrees or the felony is never attempted. The penalty for solicitation is tied to the penalty for the crime you are accused of soliciting. For example, soliciting someone to commit murder (a felony) is itself a felony. A criminal solicitation charge lawyer Virginia must understand these nuances to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, review Virginia Code § 18.2-29 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Virginia Courts official website.
Defense Strategy for Solicitation Charges
Defending a solicitation case requires a detailed examination of the evidence, often involving communications like texts, emails, or recorded conversations. A solicitation of crime defense lawyer Virginia from our firm will analyze whether the prosecution can prove you had the specific intent for the other person to commit the crime. Common defenses include arguing that your words were merely idle talk or a joke, that you withdrew the solicitation, or that you were a victim of police entrapment. In Fairfax County and across Northern Virginia, prosecutors must prove the solicitation was serious and not protected speech.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will obtain and review all evidence, including digital communications.
- We will file pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or argue entrapment.
- If the case proceeds, we prepare a defense focused on your lack of criminal intent.
- We negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal of charges where possible.
- If necessary, we present a compelling defense at trial to the judge or jury.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation in Virginia
In Virginia, criminal solicitation is punished as a Class 6 felony if the crime solicited is a felony, carrying 1-5 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of a Felony | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, professional license implications. |
| Solicitation of a Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | 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 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 tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive defense. We have a deep understanding of Virginia’s solicitation laws and the strategies needed to protect your future.
Case Results
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of favorable outcomes in solicitation cases. For instance, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) and reductions of solicitation of prostitution charges in Fairfax County General District Court. In one case, a solicitation of prostitution charge was reduced to disorderly conduct, avoiding a sex crime conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or digital evidence.
Contact Our Fairfax Criminal Solicitation Lawyers
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients across Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington, and Loudoun. We are accessible via major highways like I-66, I-495, and Route 50. If you need a criminal solicitation lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse or other Northern Virginia courts, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We serve communities throughout the region including Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, and Ashburn.
FAQs: Criminal Solicitation Defense in Virginia
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is the act of commanding, encouraging, or requesting another person to commit a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor, under Va. Code § 18.2-29. The crime is complete upon the solicitation, regardless of whether the other person acts.
Can I be charged if the person I asked said no?
Yes. Virginia law does not require the other person to agree or take any action. The charge is based on your words or actions with the intent to solicit the crime.
What are common defenses to a solicitation charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of intent (e.g., joking), entrapment by law enforcement, withdrawal of the solicitation, or that the communication was too vague to constitute a true solicitation. A lawyer will analyze the evidence to identify the best defense.
Is solicitation a felony in Virginia?
Solicitation to commit a felony is a Class 6 felony. Solicitation to commit a Class 1 misdemeanor is itself a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalty mirrors the crime you are accused of soliciting.
Should I talk to the police if I’m under investigation?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page, our page on sex crime defense in Fairfax County, or learn about general criminal defense in Fairfax.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.