Virginia Beach internet sex crimes carry severe penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, including mandatory sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Former prosecutor Matthew Greene leads your defense. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Understanding Internet Sex Crimes Under Virginia Law
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 criminalizes using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor for sexual activity. This statute applies to any communication — email, chat, social media, or messaging apps — where an adult attempts to arrange a sexual encounter with someone under 18. The law does not require an actual meeting; the attempt alone is a felony. A conviction carries 5 to 30 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902. The Virginia General Assembly statute defines the offense broadly to cover modern digital communication.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Court Information and Resources
Cases are heard at the Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). Felony internet solicitation cases proceed to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The Fourth Judicial District oversees all proceedings.
Insider Procedural Edge: What Sets Our Approach Apart
Virginia Beach prosecutors use forensic digital evidence — IP logs, chat transcripts, and undercover operations — to build internet solicitation cases. Challenging the chain of custody and the identity of the user is critical.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all digital evidence — do not delete messages or accounts.
- Request a preliminary hearing in General District Court to test the evidence.
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained digital evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or diversion.
- Prepare for trial in Circuit Court if no acceptable plea is offered.
In Virginia Beach, internet solicitation of a minor under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 carries 5 to 30 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet solicitation of a minor (§ 18.2-374.3) | Class 5 Felony | 5–30 years | Up to $100,000 | None specific | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of professional licenses; restricted internet access |
| Possession of child pornography (§ 18.2-374.1:1) | Class 5 Felony | 5–30 years | Up to $100,000 | None specific | Mandatory sex offender registration; federal charges possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Defense
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Our team includes Matthew Greene, who handles sex crimes in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and Mr. Sris as secondary counsel.
Case Results in Internet Sex Crime Defense
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have secured 4,739+ case results. Notable results include a bond granted on conditions for solicitation of a minor in Fairfax General District Court and a nolle prosequi for simulated masturbation charges in Fairfax County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Location
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (Virginia Beach Expressway). We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Internet sex crime lawyer near Virginia Beach — near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Sex Crimes in Virginia Beach
Can I be charged if I never met the minor in person?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, the crime is complete when you use a computer or device to solicit a minor for sex. No physical meeting is required. The attempt alone is a Class 5 felony.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for an internet solicitation conviction?
Yes. A conviction under § 18.2-374.3 requires mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902. Registration is not discretionary — it is automatic upon conviction.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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.