Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia
A criminal solicitation charge in Prince George County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29, punishable by up to the same penalty as the crime solicited. If you are accused of encouraging or requesting another person to commit a crime, you need an experienced criminal solicitation lawyer Prince George County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation is defined under Virginia law as commanding, encouraging, or requesting another person to engage in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-29, makes it a crime to attempt to cause another to commit an offense, even if the solicited crime never occurs. The offense is complete the moment the solicitation is made. The penalty for a criminal solicitation conviction is severe, as the law treats it as being in the same classification as the crime that was solicited. For example, soliciting someone to commit a Class 3 felony like aggravated malicious wounding would itself be a Class 3 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
External Legal Resources
Understanding the law is critical. You can review the official Virginia statute for criminal solicitation under Va. Code § 18.2-29. For local court procedures and information, visit the Prince George County Courts website.
Defending a Solicitation of Crime Charge in Prince George County
Prosecutors in Prince George County aggressively pursue solicitation charges, which are often built on digital evidence like text messages, emails, or social media posts. A common defense involves challenging the intent element—arguing that the communication was mere venting, a joke, or lacked the specific intent to cause a crime. Another critical defense is attacking the credibility of the alleged solicitee, who may be a cooperating witness seeking leniency in their own case. The procedural path for a felony solicitation charge begins with a preliminary hearing at the Prince George County General District Court before moving to the Circuit Court for trial.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and brought before a magistrate. An attorney can argue for reasonable bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony solicitation, a hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally arraigned on the indictment in Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge based on legal deficiencies.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The Commonwealth may offer a plea to a lesser charge. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Prince George County, a criminal solicitation charge carries the same penalty range as the underlying crime solicited, which can include lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and a permanent felony record.
| Solicited Crime Classification | Solicitation Charge Classification | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 |
| Class 6 Felony | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 |
| Class 5 Felony | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 |
| Class 4 Felony | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 |
| Class 3 Felony | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Your Case
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the Commonwealth. We focus on building a defense that scrutinizes the evidence and challenges the prosecution’s interpretation of your words or actions.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of advocating for clients facing serious charges. In one case, a client facing felony charges for solicitation of crime saw the charge reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail time. In another, pre-trial motions led to the suppression of key digital evidence, resulting in a dismissal. We approach each solicitation of crime defense lawyer Prince George County case with a detailed strategy aimed at the best possible resolution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Prince George County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Prince George County and the Hopewell area. The Prince George County courts are accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 156. If you need a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Prince George County near the Fort Gregg-Adams area, we are here to help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29 to command, encourage, or request another person to commit a felony or Class 1 misdemeanor. The crime is complete upon the solicitation, regardless of whether the other person acts.
Can I be charged if the person I talked to never committed the crime?
Yes. The offense of solicitation is separate from the crime solicited. The prosecution only needs to prove you had the intent to cause the other person to commit the crime, not that they actually did it.
What are common defenses to a solicitation charge?
Defenses include lack of intent (e.g., joking), entrapment by law enforcement, insufficiency of evidence, and challenging the credibility of witnesses. An attorney will analyze all communications for context.
Should I talk to the police if they contact me about solicitation?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Anything you say can be used to establish the intent required for a conviction.
What is the penalty for soliciting a felony?
The solicitation is punished as if it were the felony itself. Soliciting a Class 3 felony could mean 5-20 years in prison. A skilled criminal solicitation lawyer Prince George County is essential to mitigate these penalties.
How can a lawyer help with a solicitation of crime charge?
A defense attorney will dissect the evidence, file motions to protect your rights, negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal, and prepare a vigorous trial defense if necessary.
Related Pages: If you are facing other charges, learn about our Prince George County criminal defense services. For state-wide information, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Prince George County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.