Criminal Solicitation Defense in Augusta County, Virginia
Criminal solicitation in Augusta County is a serious felony under Virginia law, often charged alongside other sex crimes. If you are accused of soliciting another to commit a felony, you need a dedicated criminal solicitation lawyer Augusta Virginia from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our defense team, led by former prosecutors, has documented results in Augusta County courts.
In Virginia, criminal solicitation is defined as commanding, entreating, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony. This charge is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-29. The severity of the charge depends on the felony being solicited; for instance, soliciting someone to commit murder is a Class 3 felony, while soliciting certain sex crimes can be a Class 5 or Class 6 felony. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent for the other person to commit the felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For official court information, you can visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
- Secure immediate legal representation before making any statements to law enforcement.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all evidence, including communications and recordings.
- A motion to suppress evidence may be filed if your rights were violated during the investigation.
- Your defense lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, often seeking to have the charge reduced or dismissed based on lack of intent.
- If the case proceeds to trial in Augusta County Circuit Court, your attorney will present a defense focused on the specific facts and intent required by law.
In Augusta County, a criminal solicitation conviction carries penalties based on the felony solicited, ranging from 1 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $100,000, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of Murder (§ 18.2-29) | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Violent felony on record |
| Solicitation of Certain Sex Crimes | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential sex offender registration |
| Solicitation of Other Felonies | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense in Augusta County and across multiple states.
For criminal charges defense in Augusta County, our team has a documented record. While specific local results are not published, our firm-wide experience includes successful resolutions in solicitation cases through strategic negotiation and trial defense. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts. We are a criminal solicitation lawyer near Augusta County, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve communities including Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Criminal Solicitation in Augusta County
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
Yes. Criminal solicitation under Va. Code § 18.2-29 is asking, commanding, or trying to persuade someone else to commit a felony. You can be charged even if the other person never commits or even agrees to commit the crime. The key element the prosecution must prove is your specific intent.
Can I go to jail for criminal solicitation in Augusta County?
Yes. Criminal solicitation is always a felony in Virginia. The prison sentence depends on the felony you are accused of soliciting. Soliciting murder is a Class 3 felony with 5-20 years. Soliciting other felonies can be Class 5 (1-10 years) or Class 6 (1-5 years). A strong defense from a criminal court lawyer is essential.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for solicitation?
Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. An experienced criminal attorney can advise you on your rights, intervene with investigators, and begin building your defense strategy from the very start.
How does a defense lawyer fight a solicitation charge?
A defense lawyer challenges the evidence and the intent. Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment by law enforcement, insufficient evidence, and violation of your constitutional rights during the investigation. Your lawyer will file motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
For more information on related defenses, see our page on criminal defense in Augusta County. To understand how we handle similar cases elsewhere, visit our page for sex crime defense in Shenandoah County. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our Virginia sex crime defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Augusta case fits into the wider process, our page on criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.