Solicitacion de un Menor Lawyer in Virginia — Defending Against Serious Charges
The crime of solicitacion de un menor in Virginia is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, involving using communications systems to propose sexual activity to a minor. A conviction can lead to 1-5 years in prison per offense, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Solicitation of a Minor
The offense of solicitacion de un menor, formally known as using communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children, is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. This statute makes it a felony to use any electronic means, including the internet, text messages, or social media, to knowingly solicit, lure, or entice a person the accused believes to be under 15 years of age to commit specific sexual offenses. The law is designed to combat delitos sexuales ciberneticos (cyber sexual crimes) and applies even if the “minor” is actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the severe implications of these charges. A conviction for solicitacion de un menor is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, though sentences can run consecutively for multiple counts. Beyond incarceration, a conviction mandates lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, which imposes strict residency, employment, and reporting restrictions.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Charges often begin with an undercover online operation. After an arrest or summons, the court will set a bond hearing. For these felonies, bond is frequently denied or set very high.
- General District Court (GDC) Preliminary Hearing: The case starts in GDC for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause. This is not a trial, but a critical stage to challenge evidence.
- Grand Jury Indictment & Circuit Court Arraignment: If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to a grand jury for indictment. Upon indictment, you will be arraigned in Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence (e.g., illegal search) or dismiss charges. Extensive discovery of all digital evidence and police reports occurs here.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If a plea agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing is held. A felony conviction for solicitacion de un menor requires mandatory sex offender registration.
In Virginia, a conviction for solicitacion de un menor under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison per count and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of a Minor (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; professional license revocation. |
| Attempted Solicitation | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Same as above; the law punishes the attempt even if no meeting occurs. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Defending Against Charges of Solicitation of a Minor in Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to building a defense against charges of solicitacion de un menor. Our approach is grounded in a detailed analysis of the digital evidence—the heart of any delitos sexuales ciberneticos case. We scrutinize chat logs, IP address records, and the methods used in undercover operations to challenge the prosecution’s proof of your intent and knowledge. We examine whether law enforcement overreached or engaged in entrapment, where they may have induced a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have.
Our lead attorney for Virginia sex crimes, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, giving him unique insight into how these cases are investigated and prosecuted. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on all detailed sex crime defenses. Together, they work to protect your rights from the initial investigation through trial.
Case Results for Sex Crime Charges in Virginia
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. While every case is unique, our firm-wide results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC include over 4,739 documented cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%+. In sex crime cases, favorable outcomes can include case dismissals, reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors, or alternative sentencing that avoids prison time and sex offender registration.
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 all Virginia communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. If you need a solicitacion de un menor lawyer near you in Virginia, contact us for immediate legal guidance.
FAQs on Solicitation of a Minor Charges in Virginia
Is solicitation of a minor a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Solicitacion de un menor under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500 for each separate count.
What is the main defense against an online solicitation charge?
It depends on the facts, but common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t believe the person was a minor), entrapment (police induced the crime), or mistaken identity (someone else used your account). An experienced abogado solicitud ilicita will analyze all digital evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction for solicitacion de un menor in Virginia carries a mandatory requirement to register on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry for life, with strict public notification rules.
What if I was talking to an undercover police officer, not a real minor?
The law still applies. Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is written to punish the act of solicitation based on the defendant’s belief that the other person is a minor, regardless of whether an actual minor was involved. This is a key aspect of delitos sexuales ciberneticos enforcement.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, with strong legal representation. Outcomes depend on evidence strength, your history, and negotiation. Charges may be reduced to a misdemeanor or dismissed if constitutional rights were violated, evidence is weak, or through a favorable plea agreement.
Related Practice Areas: Virginia Sex Crimes Lawyer | Fairfax County Sex Crime Lawyer | Virginia Traffic Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.