Arlington County Forcible Sodomy Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Forcible sodomy under Va. Code § 18.2-67.1 is a Class 2 felony in Arlington County, carrying 5 years to life imprisonment and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious charges. Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County General District Court. Call 703-589-9250 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Forcible Sodomy Law & Penalties
Forcible sodomy is defined under Virginia law as engaging in certain sexual acts with another person by force, threat, intimidation, or against their will through physical helplessness or mental incapacity. This is a distinct and severe charge from other sexual offenses. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-67.1, classifies it as a Class 2 felony. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in cases involving complex evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-67.1. For court-specific procedures and information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Forcible Sodomy Charges
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all felony forcible sodomy trials, with preliminary hearings held at the Arlington County General District Court. These cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Given the lifetime sex offender registry requirement under § 9.1-901, a primary defense goal is often to negotiate a charge reduction to avoid a registry-triggering conviction. Our team, including Matthew Greene with over 30 years of experience and a former 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, understands the high stakes.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate. Bond is frequently denied for violent sex offenses; if granted, secured bond typically ranges from $25,000 to $500,000+.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Arlington County General District Court within 21-60 days of arrest. The Commonwealth must show probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: A grand jury will review the evidence, typically within 90 days, to issue a formal indictment (“true bill”) for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment & Trial: You will be formally arraigned and enter a plea in Arlington County Circuit Court. A trial date is set, typically 3-12 months out, allowing time for evidence review and motion filing.
- Forensic Evidence Review: Your defense team will scrutinize all forensic evidence, including DNA analysis and digital forensics, which can extend the timeline by 2-6 months.
- Resolution: The case concludes through a trial verdict, plea agreement, or dismissal. A conviction mandates lifetime sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties for Forcible Sodomy in Arlington
In Arlington County, a forcible sodomy conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-67.1 carries a mandatory prison sentence of 5 years to life and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forcible Sodomy (Va. Code § 18.2-67.1) | Class 2 Felony | 5 years to life imprisonment | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; loss of professional licenses; firearm restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have documented over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders,” providing relentless representation. For a sodomy charge defense lawyer Arlington County relies on, our team understands the severe implications of these charges.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. In one instance, we secured a bond reinstatement for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges. In another, we negotiated an amended charge with a reduced sentence. In Chesterfield County, we achieved a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a solicitation charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington Forcible Sodomy Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in neighborhoods including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a forcible sexual act defense lawyer Arlington County residents trust, contact us today.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Arlington County, Virginia?
Forcible sodomy under Va. Code § 18.2-67.1 carries 5 years to life in prison. Aggravated sexual battery carries 1-20 years. Most felony convictions require lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia, including forcible sodomy, require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Arlington County, Virginia?
It depends. A forcible sodomy case typically takes 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days at the General District Court. Processing of forensic evidence like DNA or digital forensics can extend the timeline by several months.
What should I do if I am arrested for forcible sodomy in Arlington?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a forcible sodomy lawyer Arlington County defense firm like SRIS, P.C. at 703-589-9250 for a 24/7 consultation to begin building your defense strategy.
Can a forcible sodomy charge be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. While forcible sodomy is a serious felony, charges can sometimes be reduced through negotiation or dismissed if the evidence is insufficient. An experienced sodomy charge defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate the specifics of your case, challenge forensic evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
If you are facing allegations, do not wait. Virginia sex crime lawyers at our firm are ready to help. We also assist clients in Alexandria and with related issues like Arlington County criminal defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a Arlington County charge, our page explains how Virginia courts handle a forcible sodomy charge.