Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Augusta County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Criminal solicitation in Augusta County is a serious felony under Virginia law, defined as asking, commanding, or encouraging another person to commit a crime. A conviction can lead to years in prison and a permanent felony record. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need a dedicated criminal solicitation lawyer Augusta County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-29. The statute makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony, murder, or certain other serious offenses. The crime is complete the moment the request is made; the other person does not need to agree or take any action. This means you can be charged based on conversations, texts, or online messages. Defending against these charges requires a criminal solicitation lawyer Augusta County who understands how to challenge the intent and communication evidence that forms the basis of the prosecution’s case.
Penalties for Criminal Solicitation in Augusta County
In Augusta County, a criminal solicitation charge is punished as severely as the crime you are accused of soliciting, carrying the same classification and potential penalties.
| Offense Solicited | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record |
| Robbery | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights |
| Burglary | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Drug Distribution | Felony (varies) | Varies by schedule/amount | Varies | Driver’s license suspension |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Strategy in Augusta County Courts
Augusta County prosecutors take solicitation charges seriously, especially those involving violence or drugs. Cases are heard at the Augusta County General District Court for preliminary hearings and move to Circuit Court for felony trials. A key defense strategy involves examining the communication evidence—often texts, social media messages, or recorded conversations—for ambiguity, lack of intent, or entrapment. The prosecution must prove you specifically intended for the crime to be committed. An experienced solicitation of crime defense lawyer Augusta County can argue that your words were taken out of context, were mere joking or venting, or that you were entrapped by law enforcement.
- Immediate Consultation: Contact a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Augusta County as soon as you are aware of an investigation or charge. Do not speak to police without an attorney.
- Evidence Review: Your lawyer will secure and analyze all communications, witness statements, and police reports to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or to challenge the sufficiency of the charge.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work to have the charge reduced or dismissed. If a fair plea cannot be reached, prepare a vigorous defense for trial, focusing on intent and the facts.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a felony solicitation charge and provide a focused, strategic defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we fight relentlessly for every client.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our team has a documented history of achieving favorable results in sensitive criminal cases. For example, we have successfully secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) and reductions for clients facing solicitation of prostitution charges in Virginia courts. In one case, a solicitation charge was reduced to a non-criminal disorderly conduct offense. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into case preparation.
Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts in Staunton. We provide representation for individuals in Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St #103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Augusta County Criminal Solicitation Lawyer FAQ
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29. It involves asking, commanding, or encouraging someone else to commit a felony or murder. The crime is complete upon the request, regardless of whether the other person acts.
Can I be charged for just talking about a crime?
Yes. If the prosecution can prove you specifically intended for the listener to commit the crime, your words alone can form the basis of a solicitation charge. Context and intent are critical defenses.
What are the defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you were joking or venting), entrapment by law enforcement, ambiguity in the communication, or insufficient evidence that you actually solicited a specific crime. A solicitation of crime defense lawyer Augusta County can evaluate the best strategy for your case.
Is solicitation the same as conspiracy?
No. Solicitation involves requesting another to commit a crime. Conspiracy involves an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. You can be charged with both, but they are separate offenses with different elements the prosecution must prove.
Should I talk to the police if they contact me about solicitation?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal solicitation lawyer Augusta County. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators may be recording the conversation.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
If you are facing related charges, you may also need a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta County. Explore our Virginia sex crime defense hub or see our work for clients in Shenandoah County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Augusta County, and our page on criminal solicitation charges across Virginia walks through each stage.