Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Chesapeake — Defending Your Rights
A criminal solicitation charge in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a serious felony offense under Va. Code § 18.2-29, punishable by up to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for those accused of soliciting a crime. Our criminal solicitation lawyer Chesapeake team understands the complex evidence and aggressive prosecution you face in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
What Is Criminal Solicitation in Virginia?
Criminal solicitation, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-29, involves commanding, inducing, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony. The crime is complete the moment the solicitation is made, even if the other person refuses or the felony never occurs. The punishment for solicitation is identical to the punishment for the felony that was solicited. This means soliciting a murder (a Class 2 felony) can result in a life sentence. A criminal solicitation lawyer Chesapeake is essential to challenge the intent and communication evidence central to these cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-29 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Chesapeake are handled at the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Solicitation Charges
Felony solicitation cases in Chesapeake begin with an arrest or indictment. A preliminary hearing is held at Chesapeake General District Court to determine probable cause. The case then proceeds to Chesapeake Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors often rely on electronic communications, recordings, or witness testimony to prove solicitation. A strong defense examines the context of the communication and the defendant’s true intent.
- Arrest or service of a warrant or indictment.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing in Chesapeake General District Court.
- Preliminary hearing to assess probable cause (if not indicted).
- Case certification to Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery review.
- Trial or plea negotiation resolution.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Chesapeake, criminal solicitation carries the same penalty range as the felony being solicited, from years in prison to a life sentence.
| Solicited Felony | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent criminal record |
| Robbery | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights |
| Arson | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Difficulty finding employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a solicitation charge can stem from misunderstood conversations or exaggerated claims, and we build defenses that challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of events.
Case Results
Our team has secured favorable outcomes in sensitive criminal matters. In one case, a client facing serious felony charges in Baltimore County, Maryland, received a disposition of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, plus 5 years of supervised probation. In another case in the same jurisdiction, a charge for promoting/distributing child pornography was nolle prossed (dismissed). We apply this focused, evidence-driven approach to criminal solicitation charge lawyer Chesapeake defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Defense Team
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesapeake. We are a criminal solicitation lawyer near Chesapeake and the surrounding communities of Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is criminal solicitation a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-29, criminal solicitation is punished as a felony at the same level as the crime you are accused of soliciting. Soliciting a murder is a Class 2 felony; soliciting a robbery is a Class 5 felony.
Can I be charged if the person I talked to didn’t commit the crime?
Yes. The crime of solicitation is complete once the request or command is made. The other person’s refusal or the crime’s non-completion does not negate the charge, though it may be a factor in defense strategy.
What evidence is used in solicitation cases?
It depends. Prosecutors commonly use text messages, emails, social media messages, recorded phone calls, or witness testimony. A solicitation of crime defense lawyer Chesapeake will scrutinize this evidence for context, coercion, or lack of genuine criminal intent.
What are the defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to commit a crime, entrapment by law enforcement, misunderstanding or joking that was taken seriously, and insufficient evidence that a true solicitation occurred. Each case requires a detailed review of the communications.
Should I talk to the police if I’m investigated for solicitation?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a criminal solicitation lawyer Chesapeake immediately.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer page or our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Chesapeake cases are handled by our Virginia criminal solicitation practice, where the whole process is set out.