Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
The use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. This statute criminalizes using phones, computers, or the internet to solicit, entice, or arrange a sexual offense with a minor. A conviction carries severe penalties, including mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.
Virginia Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 makes it a felony to use any communications system, including electronic mail, the internet, or a telephone, to knowingly and intentionally facilitate, solicit, or arrange any act that would constitute a violation of certain sex offenses involving a minor. The law is broad and covers attempts to communicate with a minor, as well as communicating with someone the person believes to be a minor. The prosecution does not need to prove that an actual minor was involved; it is enough that the defendant believed they were communicating with a minor. This is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, but sentences can be enhanced based on the underlying intended offense and the age of the child.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for these charges in Lexington begin at the Lexington General District Court.
Defense Strategy and Local Court Process in Lexington
Defending against charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors requires a detailed understanding of digital evidence, entrapment defenses, and constitutional protections. In Lexington, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The prosecution’s case often relies heavily on digital forensics from devices and internet service providers. A strong defense will scrutinize the methods of the investigation, the chain of custody for digital evidence, and whether law enforcement overstepped legal boundaries. The goal is to challenge the evidence before it leads to a felony conviction and mandatory registry.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer present. Contact our firm to protect your rights from the outset.
- Evidence Preservation & Review: We will work with digital forensic experts to analyze all electronic evidence, including chat logs, IP addresses, and device data.
- Preliminary Hearing Strategy: At the Lexington General District Court, we challenge the probable cause for the felony charge, aiming to have it reduced or dismissed.
- Circuit Court Defense: If the case proceeds to Lexington Circuit Court, we develop a full trial strategy, which may include motions to suppress evidence or argue entrapment.
- Negotiation & Mitigation: We explore all options for a favorable resolution, potentially amending the charge to avoid mandatory sex offender registration.
- Trial Preparation: If a fair plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, challenging the prosecution’s digital evidence and witness testimony.
Potential Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, but penalties escalate based on the intended crime and the child’s age.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on living and working. |
| If intended offense is rape or aggravated sexual battery of a child under 15 | Class 5 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory minimum sentence; lifetime sex offender registration. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the severe, life-altering consequences of a conviction for use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors. Our defense team, led by attorneys with deep experience in sex crime defense, focuses on protecting your future by meticulously challenging the digital evidence and the conduct of the investigation. We provide a strong, strategic defense from the initial investigation through trial.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a proven track record in defending serious sex crime charges. In one case in Bedford County Circuit Court, we defended a client facing three felony charges of computer solicitation to facilitate a sex offense with a minor under 15. The defense secured a reinstated bond and successfully negotiated an amended disposition. In Chesterfield County General District Court, we achieved a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Lexington Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. If you need an online child exploitation defense lawyer Lexington or an internet crime involving minor lawyer Lexington, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Lexington, Virginia?
Penalties vary by specific crime. Rape (§ 18.2-61) carries 5 years to life. Forcible sodomy carries 5 years to life. Aggravated sexual battery carries 1-20 years. Indecent liberties with a child carries 1-5 years. Child pornography carries 1-5 years per image. Most felony convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This mandates reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. Failure to register is a separate felony. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers the registry requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Lexington, Virginia?
It depends on the case complexity. Sex crime cases in Lexington typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. A Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months out. Processing forensic evidence like DNA or digital data can extend the timeline further.
What does “use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors” mean?
This Virginia law (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) makes it a felony to use a phone, computer, email, or the internet to knowingly arrange or attempt to arrange a sexual offense with someone you believe to be a minor. The charge applies even if the other person is an undercover officer.
Can I be charged if I was talking to an undercover officer and not a real minor?
Yes. Under Virginia law, you can be convicted for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors even if the person you communicated with was a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. The statute is based on your intent and belief, not the actual age of the other person.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist with related charges like criminal defense in Lexington and DUI defense in Lexington. Learn more about our Richmond office location.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors.