Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A criminal solicitation charge in Virginia Beach is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29, punishable by up to life imprisonment if the crime solicited is a capital offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of soliciting another to commit a crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is defined as commanding, inducing, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. The crime is complete the moment the solicitation is made, even if the other person never acts on it. The severity of the charge depends entirely on the nature of the crime being solicited. For example, soliciting someone to commit murder is a far more serious offense than soliciting a lesser felony. The prosecution must prove you had the intent that the crime actually be committed.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving complex financial or digital evidence, which are common in solicitation charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-29 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for felony charges begin at the Virginia Beach General District Court for preliminary hearings.
- Arrest and initial appearance at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Preliminary hearing to determine probable cause for the felony charge.
- Case is certified to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charge.
- Negotiation or preparation for jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing hearing if convicted, focusing on mitigation.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, a criminal solicitation charge carries the same penalty range as the crime you are accused of soliciting, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
| Crime Solicited | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Offense (e.g., Murder) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of civil rights |
| Other Felony (e.g., Arson, Robbery) | Matches Solicited Crime | Per penalty of that felony | Per penalty of that felony | Permanent felony record, professional license loss |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Solicitation Charges
Our defense strategy for a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Virginia Beach begins by scrutinizing the evidence of intent. We examine all communications to argue that your words were taken out of context, were mere speculation, or did not constitute a true solicitation. We file motions to challenge the legality of evidence collection. In many cases, a skilled negotiation can result in a reduction of the charge to a lesser offense that avoids the most severe penalties of a felony conviction.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex criminal cases. In Virginia Beach, we have 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team, including secondary attorney Matthew Greene, a former death penalty certified attorney with over 30 years of experience, works collaboratively to build the strongest possible defense for every client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Criminal Solicitation Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2-29, defined as commanding, inducing, or attempting to persuade another person to commit a felony or Class 1 misdemeanor. The crime is complete upon the solicitation, regardless of whether the other person acts.
Can I be charged if the person I talked to never committed the crime?
Yes. The Virginia statute focuses on your intent and actions in making the solicitation. The prosecution does not need to prove the other person agreed or took any step toward committing the crime. Your communication alone can form the basis of the charge.
What are the defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment by law enforcement, misinterpretation of a joke or hypothetical discussion, and insufficiency of evidence. A strong defense often involves a detailed analysis of the context and content of all communications.
Is solicitation a felony in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Soliciting a felony is itself a felony. Soliciting a Class 1 misdemeanor is charged as a Class 6 felony. The penalty range matches the crime solicited, making these among the most serious charges you can face.
Why do I need a criminal solicitation defense lawyer in Virginia Beach?
These charges are complex and carry severe penalties. An experienced lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent, negotiate for charge reductions, and protect your rights throughout the process in both General District and Circuit Court.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides defense for general criminal charges in Virginia Beach and DUI offenses. For a broader view of our sex crimes defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If you want to see how a Virginia Beach case fits into the wider process, our page on criminal solicitation lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.