Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
A criminal solicitation charge in Chesterfield County is a serious felony under Virginia law, often carrying severe penalties. If you are accused of soliciting another person to commit a crime, you need an experienced criminal solicitation lawyer Chesterfield County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these complex charges, protecting your rights and future. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Understanding Criminal Solicitation Charges in Virginia
Criminal solicitation is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-29. This statute makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor, with the intent that the other person commit the crime. The offense is complete the moment the solicitation is made; the other person does not need to agree or take any action. The charge is treated as a separate felony, often classified one level below the crime being solicited.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-29 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are handled by the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary matters and the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Local Defense Strategy for a Criminal Solicitation Charge in Chesterfield County
Prosecutors in Chesterfield County aggressively pursue solicitation charges, especially those linked to serious underlying crimes. A strong defense often hinges on challenging the intent element or the substance of the communication. Did you truly intend for a crime to be committed, or was it mere talk or hyperbole? Was the communication taken out of context? The evidence in these cases is frequently digital—text messages, emails, or social media posts—requiring careful forensic analysis.
- Immediate Case Review: After an arrest, secure all evidence, including electronic communications and witness statements. Do not discuss the case with anyone.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will begin in Chesterfield County General District Court. This hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged in Chesterfield County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal deficiencies, lack of intent, or entrapment.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence and motions, your lawyer will negotiate for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Chesterfield County, a criminal solicitation charge is punished as a felony, typically one class lower than the crime solicited, carrying the possibility of state prison time and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense Solicited | Solicitation Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Felony (e.g., Murder) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Loss of civil rights, firearm prohibition |
| Class 3 Felony | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, employment barriers |
| Class 5 Felony | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Professional license revocation possible |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | Misdemeanor record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a solicitation of crime defense lawyer Chesterfield County must dissect the prosecution’s evidence and attack the core element of intent. Our team, including attorney Matthew Greene who brings over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, is equipped to handle the nuanced defense these cases demand.
Documented Case Results
Our approach yields results. In Chesterfield County, we have documented case results in sex crime defenses, which often involve related solicitation allegations. We work to secure dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions to protect our clients from the most severe penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesterfield County Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesterfield County, located near I-95, I-295, and Route 360. We are a criminal solicitation lawyer near Chesterfield County courts, serving Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It depends on the crime solicited. Solicitation is typically punished as a felony one class lower than the target crime. For example, soliciting a Class 3 felony becomes a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
Can I be charged if the person I asked said no?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-29, the crime is complete upon the solicitation itself. The other person’s agreement, refusal, or inaction is not required for the charge. The prosecution must prove you intended for the crime to be committed.
What are common defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (e.g., joking or hyperbole), entrapment by law enforcement, insufficient evidence, and violation of constitutional rights during the investigation. A solicitation of crime defense lawyer Chesterfield County can analyze the communication and circumstances to build these defenses.
Is solicitation the same as conspiracy?
No. Solicitation involves attempting to get someone else 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 distinct offenses with different elements the prosecution must prove.
Why do I need a specific criminal solicitation charge lawyer?
These cases are highly technical, focusing on intent and communication. A lawyer familiar with Virginia’s solicitation statute and local Chesterfield County court procedures can effectively challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of your words and protect you from severe felony consequences.
For the background behind a Chesterfield County charge, our page explains how Virginia courts handle a criminal solicitation charge.