Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
A criminal solicitation charge in Fairfax County is a serious felony under Virginia law, often carrying severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for those accused of soliciting a crime. Our criminal solicitation lawyer Fairfax County team understands the complex statutes and aggressive prosecution in local courts. We work to protect your rights and future from the initial charge through trial.
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-29. The law makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony, even if the felony is never attempted or completed. The offense is treated as a distinct crime from the one being solicited. The prosecution must prove you had the intent that the solicited felony be committed.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-29 (Criminal Solicitation) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and filings for Fairfax County cases are handled through the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Defending a Solicitation Charge in Fairfax County
Fairfax County prosecutors treat solicitation charges seriously, often seeking felony convictions. A common defense involves challenging the evidence of intent, as mere discussion is not enough. The communication itself—whether text, email, or recorded conversation—becomes the central evidence. Our approach examines the context and your specific intent at the time.
- Secure immediate legal representation before making any statements.
- Our criminal solicitation charge lawyer Fairfax County will obtain and scrutinize all evidence, including digital communications.
- We file pre-trial motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence or the validity of the charge.
- We engage in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, aiming for a reduction or dismissal.
- If necessary, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Fairfax County, criminal solicitation is punished as a Class 6 felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Solicitation (Va. Code § 18.2-29) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison OR up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, firearm rights, and immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal 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 over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders,” offering 24/7 support and a collaborative approach where senior attorneys like Mr. Sris are personally involved in complex defense strategies.
Documented Case Results
Our defense team has a documented record in sex crime and related felony defenses. In Fairfax County, we have 107 documented results in sex crime cases, including 38 dismissed/not guilty outcomes and 38 charges reduced or amended. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, provides critical insight on cases involving sensitive allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Fairfax County Residents
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout the county. We are familiar with the procedures at the Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court. If you need a criminal solicitation lawyer near Fairfax County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
FAQs: Criminal Solicitation Charges in Fairfax County
What does “criminal solicitation” mean in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-29, it means intentionally trying to persuade someone else to commit a felony. The crime is complete upon the solicitation, even if the other person refuses or the felony never occurs.
Is criminal solicitation a felony in Fairfax County?
Yes. Solicitation to commit a felony is itself a Class 6 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1-5 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
What are common defenses to a solicitation of crime charge?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment by law enforcement, or that the communication was merely a joke or fantasy and not a serious solicitation. A criminal solicitation defense lawyer Fairfax County can evaluate the evidence to identify the strongest defense.
Can I be charged if I was talking to an undercover officer?
Yes. Virginia law does not require that the person being solicited actually intends to commit the crime. If you believed you were soliciting a felony and communicated that to an undercover officer, you can still be charged.
Why do I need a lawyer for a solicitation charge?
A criminal solicitation charge lawyer Fairfax County is essential because the evidence is often your own words. A lawyer protects your rights during questioning, challenges the prosecution’s interpretation of your intent, and works to secure the best possible outcome, which may include dismissal or reduction of charges.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a criminal solicitation charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia sex crime defense. For other charges in our area, see our pages for a Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or a sex crime defense lawyer in Falls Church.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your criminal solicitation charge.
Fairfax County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.