Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Hanover County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal solicitation charge in Hanover County is a serious felony under Virginia law, carrying potential prison time and long-term consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of soliciting a crime. Our criminal solicitation lawyer Hanover County team understands the complex evidence involved, from digital communications to witness testimony.
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-29. This statute makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony, even if the requested crime is never attempted or completed. The offense is classified one grade lower than the felony being solicited. For example, soliciting a Class 3 felony results in a Class 4 felony solicitation charge. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent that the other person commit the felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-29 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these cases are handled by the Hanover County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials in Hanover County Circuit Court.
Defending a Solicitation Charge in Hanover County
Hanover County prosecutors treat solicitation charges seriously, especially those involving violent crimes or sex offenses. A key local procedural fact is that these cases often hinge on digital evidence—text messages, emails, or social media communications—which require careful forensic analysis. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove your intent beyond a reasonable doubt, which can be challenged if the communication was ambiguous, made in jest, or the result of entrapment.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not discuss the allegations with anyone before consulting a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Hanover County. Contact our firm for a 24/7 consultation.
- Case Assessment & Evidence Review: Our team will obtain all discovery, including police reports and digital evidence, to analyze the strength of the prosecution’s case.
- Develop a Defense Strategy: We will identify potential defenses, such as lack of intent, entrapment, or insufficient evidence, and determine whether to seek a dismissal or negotiate a reduction.
- Court Appearances & Advocacy: We will represent you at all hearings in Hanover County General District and Circuit Court, advocating for favorable bond conditions and challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
- Resolution or Trial: We will pursue the best possible outcome, whether through a negotiated plea to a lesser charge or by taking your case to trial before a jury.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Hanover County, criminal solicitation penalties are based on the felony grade of the crime solicited, with potential incarceration from 2 years to life.
| 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 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights, professional license revocation. |
| Class 3 Felony | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Felony record, difficulty securing employment and housing. |
| Class 5 Felony | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Possible probation, community service, court costs. |
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a solicitation of crime defense lawyer Hanover County must be prepared to dissect complex evidence and challenge the prosecution’s theory of intent from the very beginning of your case.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our approach focuses on achieving the best possible result for each client. In Hanover County, we have documented results defending serious charges. For instance, our team, including attorney Matthew Greene—a lawyer with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria—has successfully negotiated charge reductions and dismissals in complex cases. Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense to the specific facts and evidence at hand.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Hanover County Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 272-3897
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Hanover County courts. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. As a criminal solicitation lawyer near Hanover County, we represent individuals from Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings scheduled by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “criminal solicitation” mean in Virginia?
It means asking, encouraging, or trying to persuade someone else to commit a felony. You can be charged even if the other person says no or never attempts the crime. The charge is based on your intent and communication.
Can I go to jail for just asking someone to commit a crime?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-29, criminal solicitation is a felony. The potential prison sentence depends on the severity of the crime you asked for, ranging from one year to life in prison.
What are common defenses to a solicitation charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of intent (you were joking), entrapment (police induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise), insufficient evidence, or that the communication was too vague to constitute a true solicitation. A criminal solicitation charge lawyer Hanover County can evaluate the evidence for these defenses.
Is solicitation the same as conspiracy?
No. Solicitation involves trying 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 solicitation even if the other person never agrees, which is not the case with conspiracy.
Should I talk to the police if they contact me about solicitation?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators may attempt to twist your words to prove intent.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a criminal solicitation charge in Hanover County, it is crucial to act quickly. For more information on our broader criminal defense practice, visit our Hanover County criminal defense lawyer page. You can also learn about our firm’s approach by visiting our state hub: Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer. For defense in nearby jurisdictions, see our page for Henrico County sex crime defense lawyer.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding a criminal solicitation charge in Hanover County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For the background behind a Hanover County charge, our page explains how Virginia courts handle a criminal solicitation charge.