Henrico Solicitation Of A Minor Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
A Henrico solicitation of a minor charge under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is a serious felony with severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results in Henrico County, including dismissals and not-guilty verdicts for related sex crime charges. A strong defense is critical to protect your future and avoid mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Virginia Law on Solicitation of a Minor
In Virginia, the crime of solicitation of a minor is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. This statute makes it illegal to use a communications system, including the internet, to knowingly solicit, entice, or arrange a meeting with someone believed to be a minor under 15 years of age for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual conduct. The law is designed to protect children from online predators and carries severe consequences upon conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these cases are handled at the Henrico County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Circuit Court.
Local Defense Strategy for Henrico County
Henrico County prosecutors aggressively pursue internet-related sex crimes. A key local procedural fact is that these cases often involve complex digital evidence from law enforcement task forces. Defense strategy must immediately address the forensic examination of electronic devices and online communications. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, brings critical insight into building a defense against these allegations.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer the moment you are aware of an investigation or charge.
- Preserve All Digital Evidence: Do not delete, modify, or factory-reset any phones, computers, or accounts. This data may be crucial for your defense.
- Understand the Charges: Your attorney will review the warrant and charging documents to identify the specific alleged conduct and any potential weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case.
- Develop a Defense Strategy: This may involve challenging the legality of the search, the handling of evidence, the intent element, or the identity of the individuals involved.
- handle Court Proceedings: Your case will start with a bond hearing and preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Potential Penalties for Solicitation of a Minor in Virginia
In Henrico, solicitation of a minor is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, but sentences can be enhanced based on the defendant’s age and the specifics of the solicitation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of Minor (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months if misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, GPS monitoring possible, professional license revocation. |
| If defendant is 18+, victim under 15 | Class 5 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory minimum 5 years to serve if victim 13-14, mandatory lifetime registration. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Henrico County Sex Crime 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+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Henrico County, we have documented results for sex crime charges, including dismissals and not-guilty verdicts. We understand the high stakes of a Henrico solicitation of a minor charge and build defenses focused on challenging evidence and protecting your future.
Documented Case Results
Our approach has yielded positive outcomes for clients in Henrico County. We have secured dismissals for charges including Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346), Residing in a “Bawdy Place” (Va. Code § 18.2-347), and Solicitation of Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts. We provide representation for residents of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Henrico County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. Rape carries 5 years to life. Forcible sodomy carries 5 years to life. Aggravated sexual battery carries 1-20 years. Indecent liberties with a child is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years. Most convictions require lifetime sex offender registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Henrico County, Virginia?
Most felony sex crime convictions in Virginia require lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicle to law enforcement. Failure to register is a separate felony. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
How long does a sex crime case take in Henrico County, Virginia?
These cases typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. A preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. A Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence like DNA can extend the timeline further.
Can a Henrico solicitation of a minor charge be reduced?
It depends. Charge reduction is sometimes possible through negotiation, depending on the evidence, the defendant’s background, and the specific facts. An experienced civil litigation attorney can assess the viability of this strategy to avoid mandatory sex offender registration.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Do not delete any digital data, as this can be used as evidence of guilt. An attorney can advise you on how to handle the investigation.
Could this lead to a civil dispute?
Yes. A criminal charge for Henrico solicitation of a minor can lead to a separate civil lawsuit filed by the alleged victim’s family seeking monetary damages. This is a distinct civil litigation matter, though the criminal case outcome can significantly impact it. You may need both a criminal defense attorney and a civil court lawyer.
Related Legal Services in Henrico County
If you are facing other charges, we also provide representation for criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and family law matters in Henrico. For statewide information, see our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Chesterfield County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.