Solicitation Of A Minor - Defense In Virginia
In Virginia, online solicitation of a minor is a major crime. The law requires a minimum mandatory 5-year prison sentence for soliciting a minor online.
This crime falls under Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3, which is called the use of communication systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. This law is used to prosecute those accused of using communication systems in an attempt to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means for the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for any activity in violation of 18.2-370 or 18.2-374.1. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.
It shall be unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child less than 18 years of age for (i) any activity in violation of 18.2-355 or 18.2-361, (ii) any activity in violation of 18.2-374.1, (iii) a violation of 18.2-374.1:1, or (iv) any activity in violation of subsection A of 18.2-370. As used in this subsection, “use a communications system” means making personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print medium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common carrier, any electronic communications system, or any telecommunications, wire, computer, or radio communications system. A violation of this subsection is a Class 5 felony. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.
These crimes can range from aggravated sexual battery, sexual abuse, child molestation, indecent exposure, Internet solicitation, indecent liberties, rape, sodomy, or object sexual penetration. These include “statutory rape,” which is often charged as “Unlawful Carnal Knowledge of a Minor.”
Some of the most terrible crimes in Virginia that occur involve children. Often, these acts begin as cybercrime in Virginia. Such acts as online solicitation of a juvenile and possession of child pornography happen frequently. Whether a person made a mistake or was falsely accused, there must be a defense lodged to avoid conviction and its consequences.
If you need the help of a lawyer for an online solicitation of a minor charge in Virginia in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg), Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Culpeper, Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick (Winchester), Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock, York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a solicitation of minor in Virginia lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. online solicitation of minor attorney in Virginia, call us at 855-696-3348.
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