Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
The use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Arlington County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and involve complex digital forensics. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, makes it a felony to use any communications system, including the internet, phone, or text messages, to knowingly facilitate, solicit, or entice certain sexual offenses involving a minor under 15 years of age. The statute is broad and covers any communication intended to arrange a meeting or commit an act that would constitute rape, forcible sodomy, object sexual penetration, aggravated sexual battery, or carnal knowledge of a child. The law does not require that the underlying sexual act actually occur; the illegal use of the communications system itself is the crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Arlington County can be found at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Internet Sex Crime Charges
Charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors in Arlington County begin with an arrest or summons. The case will have a preliminary hearing in Arlington County General District Court to determine probable cause. Because it is a felony, the case will then be indicted by a grand jury and transferred to Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. The prosecution’s evidence typically includes forensic analysis of electronic devices, chat logs, social media messages, and IP address records. Defense strategy must address this digital evidence early.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: You will be arrested or served a summons. A bond hearing in General District Court will set release conditions, which often include no internet access and no contact with minors.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in Arlington County General District Court within 60 days to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, it is certified to Arlington County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all discovery, including forensic reports and undercover communications.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through plea negotiations aimed at reducing charges to avoid mandatory lifetime registration.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, sentencing follows. A felony conviction under § 18.2-374.3 triggers mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
Potential Penalties for Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
In Arlington County, a conviction for use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and lifetime sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years in prison | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Arlington County 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 Arlington County, we have a documented track record of handling sensitive, complex sex crime cases. Our approach combines a deep understanding of Virginia’s sex crime statutes with a strategic focus on challenging digital evidence and protecting your future from the devastating impact of a sex offender registry requirement.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have achieved favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In one instance, our team secured a bond reinstatement for a client facing three felony counts of computer solicitation in Bedford County. In another case in Chesterfield County, we obtained a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For an online child exploitation defense lawyer Arlington County residents can rely on, our team’s experience with digital evidence is critical. In every internet crime involving minor lawyer Arlington County case, we meticulously review the forensic discovery for constitutional violations or flaws in the investigation.
Contact Our Arlington County Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are accessible for meetings to discuss your defense against charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors.
Frequently Asked Questions: Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
What does “use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors” mean in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. It involves using any electronic communication (phone, internet, app) to knowingly arrange or attempt to arrange a meeting to commit certain sexual acts with a minor under 15. The crime is complete upon the communication; the actual meeting does not need to occur.
What are the penalties if convicted in Arlington County?
If convicted, you face 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. The registration requirement is often the most severe long-term consequence, affecting housing, employment, and reputation.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Defense strategies often focus on challenging the evidence (e.g., entrapment, lack of intent, flawed forensics) or negotiating a plea to a non-registry offense. An experienced attorney can seek to have charges reduced or dismissed based on the specifics of the investigation.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement or consent to any searches of your devices without an attorney present. Early intervention by a lawyer can critically impact the direction of the investigation.
How long does a case like this take?
These cases typically take 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline depends on the complexity of the digital evidence, court scheduling in Arlington County Circuit Court, and whether the case goes to trial or is resolved through negotiation.
Related Practice Areas: For other legal needs in Arlington, see our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI lawyer pages. For more information on Virginia sex crimes defense, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Arlington County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.