Use Of Communications Systems To Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer Virginia — What Are the Penalties?
The use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a serious felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, carrying severe penalties. If you are charged, you need immediate legal help from an experienced attorney. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a legal consultation to discuss your defense. This charge involves using phones, computers, or the internet to arrange crimes against children.
Virginia Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 specifically criminalizes the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors. This statute makes it illegal to use any electronic, digital, or telephonic system—including phones, text messages, email, social media, or internet chat rooms—with the intent to commit, solicit, or facilitate certain felonies involving a minor. The targeted offenses include abduction, kidnapping, prostitution, carnal knowledge, object sexual penetration, aggravated sexual battery, and the production of child pornography.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
The law firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving digital evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
Virginia Court Process for This Charge
Prosecutors treat charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors with extreme seriousness, given the nature of the intended crime. The investigation often involves digital forensics units from state or federal agencies. In Virginia courts, these cases typically originate with a direct indictment in Circuit Court, bypassing a preliminary hearing in General District Court. The evidence review phase is critical, as the prosecution must prove both the use of the communications system and the specific intent to facilitate a predicate felony.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all digital evidence and forensic reports.
- A motion to suppress evidence may be filed if constitutional rights were violated during the investigation.
- Your lawyer will engage in plea negotiations, often seeking to reduce the charge or argue for a sentencing cap.
- If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties in Virginia
In Virginia, a conviction for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the court’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| 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 in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses | Mandatory sex offender registration if the facilitated crime requires it; permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the severe stakes in sex crime cases, particularly those involving minors and technology.
Case Results
Our firm-wide results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC include 4,739+ documented cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In sex crime defenses, favorable outcomes can include charges not filed, dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses, or acquittals at trial. For instance, our team, including attorney Matthew Greene who has over 30 years of experience and formerly held a contract with Child Protective Services, has successfully challenged the intent element in similar facilitation cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location is accessible from communities across Northern Virginia. If you need a use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors lawyer near Virginia, contact us for a legal consultation. We serve all Virginia communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a phone to talk to a minor illegal in Virginia?
No, not simply for talking. The crime under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 requires proof you used the communications system with the specific intent to facilitate a serious felony against that minor, such as abduction or a sexual offense.
What is the penalty for this charge in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony. The penalty is 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the crime you intended to facilitate requires sex offender registration, a conviction will also mandate that.
Can I be charged if no crime actually happened?
Yes. The charge is based on your intent and actions in using communications to facilitate a crime. The prosecution does not need to prove the underlying felony was completed, only that you intended to facilitate it.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately seek legal help from an attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the case. An attorney can advise you on your rights and intervene with investigators before charges are formally filed.
What defenses are available?
Common defenses include lack of specific intent, mistaken identity (someone else used your account), entrapment by law enforcement, and constitutional violations in obtaining the digital evidence. A lawyer will analyze the facts for the best strategy.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.