Criminal Solicitation Lawyer in Pulaski, VA — What Are Your Defense Options?
Criminal solicitation in Pulaski, Virginia, is a serious felony offense under Va. Code § 18.2-29, involving the intent to have another person commit a crime. A conviction can lead to decades in prison and a permanent felony record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing these complex charges.
Understanding Virginia’s Criminal Solicitation Law
Criminal solicitation is defined under Virginia law as commanding, entreating, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony, with the intent that the crime be committed. The crime is complete the moment the solicitation is made, even if the other person never acts on it. The severity of the charge is tied directly to the felony being solicited. For example, soliciting a murder is a far more serious offense than soliciting a property crime. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-29, outlines the penalties, which can include a prison sentence of up to 10 years for soliciting certain felonies, and up to 40 years for soliciting murder.
Last verified: April 2026 | Pulaski County General District Court & Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-29. For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Pulaski County Circuit Court website.
Local Defense Strategy for Pulaski County
Building a defense against a solicitation charge in Pulaski requires a case-specific approach. Prosecutors must prove your specific intent that the felony be committed, which is often shown through text messages, emails, or witness testimony. A common defense is that the communication was merely venting frustration or constituted a joke, not a genuine intent to commit a crime. The context of the conversation and your relationship with the alleged recipient are critical.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will file motions to examine all evidence, including digital records.
- A strategy is developed to challenge the prosecution’s proof of your criminal intent.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal, if possible.
- If necessary, your case will be prepared for a jury trial in Pulaski County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Pulaski, criminal solicitation penalties are severe and depend on the felony solicited, ranging from a Class 6 felony to a Class 2 felony.
| Offense Solicited | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent violent felony record |
| Robbery, Arson, etc. | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Loss of firearm rights, professional licenses |
| Other Felonies | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Your Case
Founded in 1997, the 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 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases from the inside. This experience is applied to develop a strong defense strategy for every client facing criminal charges in Pulaski.
Documented Case Results
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented history of achieving positive results in complex criminal cases. While every case is unique, our firm-wide efforts have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions for clients. For instance, our defense lawyers have successfully argued for the suppression of key evidence, skilled to dropped charges. In other cases, negotiation with prosecutors has resulted in favorable plea agreements that avoid prison time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense in Pulaski County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our firm is positioned to serve clients throughout Pulaski County. We are familiar with the local court procedures at the Pulaski County General District Court and the Pulaski County Circuit Court. As a criminal solicitation lawyer near Pulaski Virginia, we provide accessible legal support for residents in Pulaski, Dublin, and the surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to begin building your defense immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is criminal solicitation a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Criminal solicitation is always a felony in Virginia. The class of felony (Class 2, 4, or 6) depends entirely on the seriousness of the crime you are accused of soliciting.
Can I be charged if the person I talked to never committed the crime?
Yes. The crime of solicitation is complete the moment you attempt to persuade someone to commit a felony, with the intent that they do it. The other person’s actions are not required for the charge.
What is the main defense against a solicitation charge?
It depends. The most common defense is a lack of criminal intent. Your criminal attorney will argue that your words were taken out of context, were hyperbolic, or were not a genuine request to commit a crime. The defense hinges on the specific facts of your communication.
Should I talk to the police if they contact me about this?
No. You should politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a criminal court lawyer. Anything you say can be used to prove your intent, so it is vital to have legal guidance before any discussion.
What is the first step I should take after being charged?
The first step is to hire a defense lawyer experienced with felony charges. Your lawyer will obtain the evidence, advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and begin formulating a strategy for your criminal charges defense, which may involve negotiation or trial preparation.
If you want to see how a Pulaski case fits into the wider process, our page on criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.