Criminal Solicitation Lawyer Manassas — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal solicitation charge in Manassas is a serious offense under Virginia law, often prosecuted as a felony. If you are accused of soliciting another to commit a crime, you need a dedicated criminal solicitation lawyer Manassas. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense at the Manassas General District Court.
Virginia Law on Criminal Solicitation
Criminal solicitation in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-29. The statute makes it a crime to command, entreat, or otherwise attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor, with the intent that the crime be committed. The severity of the solicitation charge is tied to the underlying crime you are accused of soliciting. For example, soliciting someone to commit murder is a Class 3 felony, while soliciting a Class 1 misdemeanor is a Class 6 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
This charge is distinct from conspiracy or attempt; it focuses solely on the act of urging another to break the law. A conviction can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent felony record. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how the Commonwealth builds these cases, which often rely on communications, witness testimony, and intent.
Legal Resources and Court Information
Understanding the specific law and the local court procedures is critical. The official Virginia statute is available through the Virginia Legislative Information System. All criminal solicitation cases in the City of Manassas begin at the Manassas General District Court located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. This court handles the initial arraignment, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings for felony charges.
Defending a Solicitation Charge in Manassas
The key to defending a criminal solicitation charge often lies in challenging the evidence of intent and agreement. Prosecutors must prove you specifically intended for the solicited crime to occur. In the Manassas General District Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must establish this intent, frequently using text messages, emails, or recorded conversations. Defense strategy may involve arguing lack of intent, entrapment, or that the communication was merely rhetorical or a joke.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our firm immediately after arrest or learning of an investigation. We analyze the charging documents and any evidence.
- Manassas GDC Arraignment: We represent you at your first court appearance, enter a plea, and argue for reasonable bond terms.
- Investigation & Motion Filing: We investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felony Charges): If the charge is a felony, we represent you at the preliminary hearing in Manassas GDC, where the Commonwealth must show probable cause.
- Negotiation or Trial Preparation: We explore all options, from negotiating a reduction or dismissal to preparing a vigorous defense for trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Solicitation
In Manassas, a criminal solicitation charge carries penalties based on the crime solicited, ranging from a Class 6 felony (1-5 years in prison) to a Class 3 felony (5-20 years).
| Solicitation Of | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of firearm rights, possible probation. |
| Felony (e.g., Burglary) | Same as felony solicited* | Varies (e.g., 5-20 years for Class 3) | Varies | Severe felony record, long-term incarceration, supervised release. |
| Murder | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | Most severe felony classification, lengthy prison term. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Under Va. Code § 18.2-29, solicitation to commit a felony is punishable as a Class 6 felony, unless the felony solicited is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than five years, or is punishable by confinement in the penitentiary for more than five years but less than life imprisonment, in which case the solicitation is punishable as a Class 5 felony. Solicitation to commit murder is a Class 3 felony.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation. We have a deep understanding of Virginia’s solicitation laws and the tactics used by prosecutors in Prince William County and Manassas. Our approach is built on thorough investigation, strategic motion practice, and leveraging our courtroom experience to protect your rights and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While results are specific to each case, our team has successfully defended against solicitation charges by securing dismissals (nolle prosequi), reductions to lesser offenses like disorderly conduct, and favorable plea agreements that avoid incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For instance, in neighboring Fairfax County, our attorneys have achieved dismissals (nolle prosequi) and reductions to disorderly conduct in solicitation of prostitution cases. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services, provides critical insight on cases with sensitive elements.
Criminal Solicitation Defense in Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas General District Court. We are a short drive from Manassas via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a criminal solicitation charge lawyer Manassas near the courthouse or in communities throughout the area, contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is criminal solicitation in Virginia?
It is a crime under Va. Code § 18.2-29 to command, entreat, or attempt to persuade another person to commit a felony or Class 1 misdemeanor, with the intent that the crime be committed. The penalty grade matches the crime solicited.
Is solicitation a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Solicitation is always a felony in Virginia. It is classified as a Class 6 felony for soliciting a misdemeanor, and can be a Class 5 or Class 3 felony for soliciting more serious felonies like murder.
Can I go to jail for just asking someone to commit a crime?
Yes. Virginia law punishes the act of solicitation itself, even if the person you asked refuses or the crime is never attempted or completed. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent for the crime to happen. A strong defense often challenges the evidence of this intent.
What are common defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (arguing the statement was a joke or hyperbole), entrapment by law enforcement, insufficiency of evidence, and violation of constitutional rights during the investigation. A solicitor of crime defense lawyer Manassas can evaluate which defenses apply to your case.
What court handles criminal solicitation cases in Manassas?
All cases start at the Manassas General District Court for arraignment and preliminary hearings. Felony charges are then sent to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. Having a criminal solicitation lawyer Manassas familiar with both courts is essential.
If you are facing a criminal solicitation charge, do not wait. The strategies used in the early stages of a case can significantly impact the outcome. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and defense options.
Related Pages: Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer | Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Fairfax | Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.