Buckingham VA Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Promoting a sexual performance by a child is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically addressed in Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. In Buckingham County, this charge is prosecuted aggressively and can lead to decades in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. If you are facing these criminal charges, securing a skilled criminal attorney is critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | Buckingham County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child
The crime of promoting a sexual performance by a child is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. A person commits this offense if, knowing the character and content of the material, they produce, advertise, finance, distribute, sell, or possess with intent to distribute any sexually explicit visual material using or having as a subject a person less than 18 years of age. The law is broad and covers various forms of involvement in the creation or dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures and filing information, you can contact the Virginia Courts website.
Potential Penalties and Consequences in Buckingham County
In Buckingham, promoting a sexual performance by a child is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. However, penalties escalate based on the number of images, the age of the child, and prior convictions, potentially skilled to much longer sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; potential consecutive sentences for multiple counts; forfeiture of property used. |
| Aggravated Offense (e.g., prior conviction, child under 15) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; enhanced penalties. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Legal Experience and Approach
Founded in 1997, the 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 results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our defense lawyer team understands the severe, life-altering consequences of a conviction for promoting a sexual performance by a child and builds a defense focused on challenging the evidence, examining procedural errors, and protecting your rights from investigation through trial.
Case Results and Defense Strategy
Our firm-wide record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In sex crime cases, a strong defense often involves challenging the legality of searches and seizures, examining digital forensic evidence for authenticity and chain-of-custody issues, and questioning the prosecution’s ability to prove knowledge and intent. We work with experienced witnesses to counter the state’s case. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our team includes Matthew Greene, a criminal court lawyer with over 30 years of experience, including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into how these cases are investigated.
Legal Defense Near Buckingham County
Our Richmond location serves clients in Buckingham and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “promoting” mean under this law?
It depends. The term is broadly defined in Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. It includes producing, advertising, financing, distributing, selling, or possessing with intent to distribute any sexually explicit visual material involving a minor. Simply having a file on a computer can lead to charges if intent to distribute is alleged by the prosecution.
Is this charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Promoting a sexual performance by a child is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. Penalties increase for aggravated factors, such as a prior conviction or the involvement of a child under 15, making it a Class 3 felony with 5 to 20 years.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 carries a mandatory requirement to register as a sex offender in Virginia. For most felony convictions under this statute, the registration is for life, with strict reporting requirements and public disclosure.
What are common defenses to these charges?
A criminal charges defense may challenge whether you knowingly possessed or promoted the material, the legality of the search that discovered it, the authenticity of the digital evidence, or whether the images meet the legal definition. Lack of knowledge and unlawful search and seizure are frequent defense arguments.
Should I speak to the police if they contact me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should politely decline to answer any questions without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a defense lawyer immediately.
What court in Buckingham handles this charge?
Felony charges like promoting a sexual performance by a child begin with a preliminary hearing in the Buckingham County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is sent to the Buckingham County Circuit Court for trial. A skilled criminal attorney can represent you at both stages.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators. Contact a defense lawyer specializing in sex crimes immediately to protect your rights.
- Case Assessment: Your attorney will review the search warrants, charges, and all evidence disclosed by the prosecution to identify weaknesses and procedural errors.
- Investigation & experienced Consultation: A defense investigation is launched, which may involve hiring digital forensic experts to analyze devices and challenge the prosecution’s technical evidence.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges based on legal insufficiency.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial Preparation: Based on the evidence, your attorney will advise on the strategy, whether negotiating for a reduced charge or preparing a vigorous defense for trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing Mitigation (if applicable): If a conviction occurs, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, presenting mitigating factors to the judge.
Related Legal Services: For other legal matters in Buckingham County, you may need a traffic lawyer or a computer sex crimes lawyer. For more information on sex crimes defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia sex crimes lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding charges for promoting a sexual performance by a child.
If you want to see how a Buckingham case fits into the wider process, our page on promoting a sexual performance by a child lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.