Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Lawyer in Virginia
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. If you are facing these criminal charges, securing a dedicated criminal attorney is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense for individuals accused of this offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | 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 Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1:1. This statute makes it illegal to finance, produce, direct, promote, advertise, or solicit any material that includes a sexual performance by a child. A “sexual performance” means any performance that includes sexual conduct by a child under 18 years old. The law is designed to combat the exploitation of minors and carries severe felony penalties. A conviction requires a strong defense strategy from an experienced criminal court lawyer.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Judicial System website.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In Virginia, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the discretion of the jury or court, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory sex offender registration, potential GPS monitoring, lifelong collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
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 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes and sensitive nature of charges related to the exploitation of minors. Our approach is thorough, examining every detail of the investigation and evidence to build a strong defense against these allegations.
Case Results and Defense Strategy
Our defense team, which includes experienced attorney Matthew Greene, has handled numerous sensitive sex crime cases. We focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, which often involves digital forensics. We scrutinize search warrant validity, chain of custody for evidence, and the methods used by law enforcement. Our goal is to protect your rights from the initial investigation through trial. We work to secure dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients across Virginia. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “promoting” mean under this law?
It depends. The term is broad and can include financing, producing, directing, advertising, or soliciting any material that contains a sexual performance by a child. The prosecution must prove you knowingly engaged in one of these specific activities with the prohibited material.
Is this charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child is classified as a Class 6 felony in Virginia. A conviction can result in prison time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
What is the main difference between this and possession charges?
This charge focuses on the active role in the material’s creation, distribution, or advertisement, not merely having it. Possession of child pornography is a separate charge under Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1. A criminal charges defense must address the specific actions you are accused of taking.
Can I be charged if the material was only shared online?
Yes. Advertising, distributing, or soliciting such material online falls under the definition of “promoting.” Virginia law aggressively pursues internet-based exploitation, and digital evidence is common in these cases.
What are the long-term consequences of a conviction?
A conviction requires lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. This affects housing, employment, and community standing. It is crucial to contact a Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Lawyer Virginia immediately to begin building your defense.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact our firm for a 24/7 consultation.
- Case Assessment: Our defense lawyer will review all charges, evidence, and the circumstances of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: We will conduct an independent investigation, which may include consulting digital forensic experts to challenge the evidence.
- Strategic Defense Planning: We will develop a defense strategy, which may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or negotiating for reduced charges.
- Court Representation: Our criminal attorney will provide aggressive representation at all hearings, from arraignment through potential trial.
If you need a Promoting A Sexual Performance By A Child Lawyer Virginia, explore our Virginia sex crimes hub page. For related defense needs, see our pages for Virginia traffic violations and theft defense in Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.