Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal solicitation charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Virginia law, often carrying penalties equal to the completed crime. If you are accused of soliciting another person to commit a crime, you need a dedicated criminal solicitation lawyer Henrico County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
In Virginia, the crime of solicitation is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-29. This statute makes it illegal to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony, even if the crime is never attempted or completed. The essence of the offense is the intent and the act of solicitation itself. The law treats solicitation to commit murder as a Class 3 felony, while solicitation to commit any other felony is generally classified one level lower than the felony solicited. For example, soliciting a Class 5 felony could be charged as a Class 6 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the solicitation statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-29 (Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Henrico County cases are handled through the Henrico County General District Court website.
Defending a Solicitation Charge in Henrico County
Prosecutors in Henrico County treat solicitation charges with high seriousness, as they demonstrate a proactive intent to cause criminal harm. A common local procedural fact is that these cases often involve digital evidence—text messages, emails, or social media communications—that the Commonwealth’s Attorney will scrutinize. The defense must challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of your intent and communication.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Henrico County immediately to invoke your right to counsel.
- Case Assessment & Evidence Review: Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including digital evidence and witness statements, to assess the strength of the prosecution’s case.
- Develop a Defense Strategy: Potential defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, misunderstanding of communication, or insufficient evidence that a true solicitation occurred.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charge. Simultaneously, they may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, your attorney will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Henrico County, a criminal solicitation conviction carries severe penalties, including prison time, fines, and long-term collateral consequences that match the seriousness of the felony solicited.
| Solicitation Of | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent criminal record |
| Class 5 Felony (e.g., certain drug crimes) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of professional licenses, firearm rights |
| Sex Crime Felony | Varies (One class lower) | 1 year to life* | Varies | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Henrico County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a solicitation charge and the specific dynamics of the Henrico County court system. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving complex digital evidence.
Case Results
Our approach to criminal solicitation defense is informed by a history of successful outcomes. In Henrico County, we have secured dismissals and favorable resolutions for clients facing serious felony allegations. For instance, attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience and a former contract with Child Protective Services, provides deep insight into defending against solicitation charges related to offenses against minors. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Henrico County Residents
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) 477-2555
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you are searching for a criminal solicitation lawyer near Henrico County or near Short Pump Town Center, we are here to help. We serve communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and Highland Springs. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29. It involves asking, commanding, or encouraging someone else to commit a felony, regardless of whether they agree or attempt it.
Can I be charged if the person I asked said no?
Yes. The crime of solicitation is complete the moment the request is made with the intent that the felony be committed. The other person’s response does not negate the charge.
What are common defenses to a solicitation of crime charge?
It depends on the evidence. Defenses can include lack of criminal intent, entrapment by law enforcement, mere joking or hyperbole not meant to be taken seriously, or insufficient proof that the communication constituted a true solicitation. A criminal solicitation charge lawyer Henrico County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Is solicitation a felony or misdemeanor in Virginia?
Solicitation is almost always a felony. Solicitation to commit murder is a Class 3 felony. Solicitation to commit other felonies is generally punished one classification level lower than the crime solicited.
Why do I need a local Henrico County lawyer for this charge?
Local knowledge is critical. A solicitor of crime defense lawyer Henrico County understands the tendencies of the local Commonwealth’s Attorneys, the judges in Henrico County Circuit Court, and how digital evidence is handled by local law enforcement, which can significantly impact case strategy and outcome.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for sex crimes in Henrico County and general criminal defense in Henrico County. For a broader overview of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If your case reaches beyond Henrico County, our page on criminal solicitation charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.