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 evidence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 specifically criminalizes the use of communications systems, including the internet, phones, or other electronic means, to facilitate certain offenses against a minor. The statute makes it illegal to use such systems to knowingly and intentionally solicit, lure, or entice a person the accused knows or has reason to believe is a minor under 15 years of age, to commit specific sex crimes like rape, forcible sodomy, or taking indecent liberties. The law is designed to combat online child exploitation and predatory behavior targeting children.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County felony cases are heard at the Arlington County Circuit Court.
Arlington County Court Process for These Charges
In Arlington County, charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors begin with an arrest or indictment. A preliminary hearing is held at the Arlington County General District Court to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to the Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. These cases are complex, often involving forensic analysis of digital devices, internet records, and chat logs by law enforcement. Prosecutors from the Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office handle these cases with significant resources.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate. An initial bond hearing is set, often at the Arlington County General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing is held in General District Court within 21-60 days to establish probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned in Arlington County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all discovery, including forensic reports.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or, through strategic negotiation, may be resolved with a plea to a reduced charge to avoid mandatory lifetime registration.
Potential Penalties for Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
In Arlington County, a conviction for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500, with a mandatory lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.
| 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 directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on living and working near schools. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington County Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe, lifelong consequences of a conviction for an internet crime involving a minor and build defenses focused on challenging digital evidence and protecting your future.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. In one instance, our attorneys secured a reinstated bond for a client facing three felony charges of computer solicitation. In another case, we successfully negotiated an amendment of charges resulting in a reduced sentence. We have 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Arlington County Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We provide defense for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors across Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors” mean?
It is using the internet, a phone, or any electronic system to knowingly solicit or arrange to commit a sex crime with someone you believe is under 15.
Is this charge a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, it is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1-5 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
What are common defenses against these charges?
Defenses can include challenging the legality of the evidence seizure, proving a lack of criminal intent, demonstrating mistaken age, or showing that the communications were not for a prohibited purpose. An online child exploitation defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Can I avoid the sex offender registry if convicted?
A conviction under § 18.2-374.3 carries a mandatory lifetime registration requirement. Therefore, defense strategy often focuses on obtaining a charge reduction or dismissal to avoid a conviction that triggers the registry.
Why do I need a lawyer experienced in internet crimes?
These cases hinge on digital evidence. An internet crime involving minor lawyer Arlington County understands how to analyze forensic reports, challenge search warrants, and question the methods used in online investigations.
Where will my case be heard in Arlington County?
Felony charges are tried in the Arlington County Circuit Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Preliminary hearings are held in the Arlington County General District Court at the same address.
If you are under investigation or charged with the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors, contact us immediately. The strategic decisions made early in your case are crucial. For a use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors lawyer Arlington County with local court experience, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Further reading: use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors, covering Virginia rather than Arlington County alone.