An Internet Sex Crime conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 in Norfolk carries severe penalties including mandatory sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Contact an Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Virginia today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Norfolk General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Internet Sex Crimes in Virginia
Under Virginia law, an Internet Sex Crime involves using a computer or electronic device to solicit, entice, or communicate with a minor for sexual purposes. The primary statute, Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, criminalizes electronic solicitation of a minor. This offense applies regardless of whether the minor is an actual child or a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. The prosecution must prove you knowingly used a computer network to solicit sexual activity. A conviction carries mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides strong defense against these charges.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes and court information:
Insider Procedural Edge for Norfolk Internet Sex Crime Cases
Norfolk General District Court prosecutors often rely on digital evidence from sting operations. Your defense must challenge the chain of custody and the identity of the user behind the keyboard. An online sex offense defense lawyer Virginia understands these procedural nuances.
- Step 1: Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Preserve all digital evidence. Do not delete files, messages, or browser history.
- Step 3: Contact an internet solicitation defense lawyer Virginia immediately to begin building your defense.
- Step 4: Your attorney will file a motion to suppress evidence if the search warrant was invalid.
- Step 5: Prepare for a preliminary hearing in Norfolk General District Court to challenge probable cause.
Penalty Table for Internet Sex Crimes in Virginia
In Norfolk, an Internet Sex Crime under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 carries a minimum of 5 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Solicitation of a Minor (under 15) | Class 5 Felony | 5-30 years (mandatory minimum 5 years) | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration for life; computer restrictions |
| Electronic Solicitation of a Minor (15-17) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (mandatory minimum 1 year) | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration for life; computer restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring a case-specific approach to every Internet Sex Crime defense in Norfolk.
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 Fairfax County, SRIS obtained a bond grant on conditions for a solicitation of minor on the internet charge under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. Additionally, a simulated masturbation charge under Va. Code § 18.2-387.1 was dismissed via nolle prosequi. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Richmond location is accessible from Norfolk via I-64 and Route 58. If you need an Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Virginia near Norfolk, we are here to help. We serve Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Internet Sex Crime lawyer in Norfolk, Virginia?
Yes. An Internet Sex Crime conviction in Norfolk carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence and lifetime sex offender registration. You need an Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Virginia to protect your rights.
What is the penalty for soliciting a minor online in Virginia?
It depends on the victim’s age. Soliciting a minor under 15 is a Class 5 felony with 5-30 years in prison. Soliciting a minor 15-17 is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years. Both require sex offender registration.
Can I be charged if the person was an undercover officer?
Yes. Virginia law criminalizes soliciting a minor even if the person is an undercover officer posing as a minor. The statute does not require an actual minor to exist.
How long does an Internet Sex Crime case take in Norfolk?
A typical case takes 4-8 weeks from arraignment to trial in Norfolk General District Court for misdemeanors. Felony cases can take 3-9 months if they proceed to Circuit Court.
What should I do if I am being investigated for an Internet Sex Crime?
Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney. Preserve all digital evidence. Contact an online sex offense defense lawyer Virginia immediately to begin building your defense.
Internal Links
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Norfolk Reckless Driving Lawyer
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Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.