Arlington VA Lawyer for Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Charges
Promoting a sexual performance by a child is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1, carrying severe penalties including mandatory prison time and lifetime sex offender registration. If you are under investigation or have been charged in Arlington County, securing an experienced defense lawyer is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child
The crime of promoting a sexual performance by a child is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1. This statute makes it illegal to finance, produce, direct, promote, advertise, or sell any material that includes a sexual performance by a child under 18. A “sexual performance” means any visual representation, including a play, dance, or other exhibition, where a child engages in sexual conduct. The law is aggressively enforced in Arlington County, and charges are typically prosecuted as Class 5 felonies, which can result in 1 to 10 years in prison, or in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a Class 4 felony with 2 years to life imprisonment. Conviction also mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1 (Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Arlington County cases are handled through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Cases involving promoting a sexual performance by a child in Arlington County begin with an arrest or indictment. The initial appearance and bond hearing are held at the Arlington County General District Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Given the severity of the charges, bond is often contested and may be set high or denied. The case will then proceed to a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before being certified to the Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. These cases frequently involve complex digital evidence, requiring early defense intervention to challenge search warrants and the forensic analysis of computers or phones.
- Secure legal representation immediately upon learning of an investigation or arrest.
- Attend the initial advisement and bond hearing at Arlington County General District Court.
- Your defense lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge probable cause at the preliminary hearing.
- If certified, the case moves to Circuit Court for pre-trial motions and potential plea negotiations.
- Prepare for trial, focusing on challenging the prosecution’s evidence and intent.
- If convicted, handle sentencing and the mandatory sex offender registration process.
Potential Penalties for Conviction
In Arlington County, a conviction for promoting a sexual performance by a child carries a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years for a first offense and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Lifetime Sex Offender Registry |
| Subsequent Offense | Class 4 Felony | 2 years to life | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Lifetime Sex Offender Registry |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Arlington County Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the 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. We understand the high-stakes nature of sex crime charges in Arlington County courts. For charges like promoting a sexual performance by a child, our defense approach involves meticulous review of digital evidence, challenging the legality of searches, and negotiating to reduce charges where possible to avoid the devastating lifelong consequences of the sex offender registry.
Case Results for Sex Crime Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of 115 total case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our firm’s experience includes successful defenses against serious felony sex crime charges. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with a multi-state practice, providing strategic oversight. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals from neighborhoods including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
24/7 Phone Consultations
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
FAQs: Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Charges
What does “promoting” mean under this law?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1, “promoting” includes financing, producing, directing, or advertising any performance involving a child in sexual conduct. The prosecution must prove you knowingly engaged in one of these specific activities. A criminal attorney can challenge whether the evidence meets this legal standard.
Is this charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Promoting a sexual performance by a child is a Class 5 felony for a first offense, punishable by 1-10 years in prison. A second or subsequent conviction is a Class 4 felony with 2 years to life imprisonment. All convictions require lifetime sex offender registration.
What are the main defenses to this charge?
A defense lawyer may argue lack of knowledge that a performer was a minor, challenge the legality of the search that discovered the evidence, or question the forensic analysis of digital files. In some cases, negotiating a plea to a non-registry offense is a critical strategy to avoid the lifelong consequences of a sex crime conviction.
Can I avoid the sex offender registry if convicted?
No. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1 for promoting a sexual performance by a child mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This makes early intervention by a defense lawyer to seek charge reduction or dismissal absolutely essential.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately contact a criminal court lawyer. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, potentially intervene before charges are filed, and begin building a defense strategy focused on the specific allegations against you.
If you need a Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Lawyer Arlington VA, contact us immediately. For related legal help, see our pages on criminal defense in Arlington or return to our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.