In Hanover County, internet sex crimes under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 carry severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. An Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Hanover County provides critical defense against these charges.
What Is an Internet Sex Crime Under Virginia Law?
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 criminalizes using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor for sexual activity. This includes online solicitation, possession of child pornography, and using the internet to arrange sexual encounters with minors. The law applies to any electronic communication, including social media, messaging apps, and email. A conviction carries mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration. An Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Hanover County understands these complex statutes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, see the Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Hanover County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Hanover County Internet Sex Crime Cases
Hanover County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony internet sex crimes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. Cases typically proceed to Hanover County Circuit Court for trial.
- Contact an attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all electronic evidence — do not delete anything.
- Attend all court hearings at Hanover County General District Court.
- Follow all bond conditions strictly to avoid revocation.
In Hanover County, internet sex crimes under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 carry penalties ranging from 5 years to life in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of a Minor (under 15) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Sex offender registration |
| Solicitation of a Minor (15-17) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Sex offender registration |
| Possession of Child Pornography | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Sex offender registration |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Hanover County Internet Sex Crime Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” For internet sex crime cases, our team includes Matthew Greene, who has 30+ years of experience and is death penalty certified (formerly). He served a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, giving him unique insight into how prosecutors build internet sex crime cases.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Case Results in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Hanover County Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33.
Internet sex crime lawyer near Hanover County — serving Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Sex Crimes in Hanover County
Can I be charged for online conversations with a minor?
Yes. Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 criminalizes using electronic devices to solicit minors for sexual activity. Even conversations that do not lead to in-person meetings can result in felony charges. An Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Hanover County can evaluate your case.
Is internet sex crime defense different from other criminal defense?
Yes. Internet sex crime cases involve digital evidence, forensic analysis, and complex search warrant issues. An online sex offense defense lawyer Hanover County must understand both criminal law and digital forensics.
What is the penalty for internet solicitation in Hanover County?
It depends. Solicitation of a minor under 15 is a Class 5 felony with 1-10 years in prison. Solicitation of a minor 15-17 is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years. Both carry mandatory sex offender registration.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation but not charged?
Yes. Early legal intervention can prevent charges from being filed. An internet solicitation defense lawyer Hanover County can communicate with prosecutors and law enforcement on your behalf before an arrest occurs.
Can internet sex crime charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if evidence was obtained illegally, if the alleged minor was not actually a minor, or if the communication was not sexual in nature. An experienced attorney can identify these defenses.
Learn more about our Virginia sex crimes lawyer services. For nearby localities, see our Henrico County internet sex crime lawyer or Chesterfield County internet sex crime lawyer. For other practice areas in Hanover County, see our Hanover County criminal defense lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.