Prostitution Lawyer Virginia — Defending Against Solicitation Charges
Prostitution and solicitation charges in Virginia are serious offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-346, carrying penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, impacting employment and housing. A skilled prostitution lawyer Virginia from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General District Courts | Virginia Legislature
Virginia Prostitution and Solicitation Laws
In Virginia, prostitution and related offenses are defined and penalized under state law. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-346, which makes it illegal to engage in, offer, or agree to engage in sexual activity for money or other forms of payment. This law covers not only the act of prostitution itself but also solicitation, which is the act of offering or requesting to pay for a sexual act. A prostitution charge dismissed lawyer Virginia understands that these are Class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record.
- Arrest and Charge: You will be issued a summons or arrested, with a court date set in the local General District Court.
- Initial Appearance: At your first court date, you will be formally advised of the charges. Do not plead guilty without consulting a prostitution lawyer Virginia.
- Case Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including police reports and any audio/video recordings, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through a dismissal, plea agreement to a lesser offense, or, if necessary, a trial.
Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation in Virginia
In Virginia, a prostitution or solicitation conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor with significant legal and personal consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Permanent criminal record; possible vehicle forfeiture for repeat offenses |
| Solicitation of Prostitution | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Permanent criminal record; social stigma |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Defending Sex Crime Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a powerful combination of insight and experience to defending clients against prostitution and solicitation charges. Our team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience and formerly held a contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep familiarity with how these cases are investigated and prosecuted. We approach each case with a focus on protecting your future, understanding that a conviction can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results.
Case Results for Prostitution and Solicitation Charges
Our defense strategies are designed to achieve the best possible outcome. In Chesterfield County General District Court, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution. In the Fairfax County General District Court (Town of Herndon), we have successfully negotiated to have solicitation of prostitution charges amended to the non-sex offense of disorderly conduct for multiple clients, avoiding the lifelong stigma of a prostitution conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Prostitution Lawyer Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones answered 24/7/365. Office meetings by appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients across Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford. We are accessible via major highways including I-66, I-495, and Route 50. If you need a prostitution lawyer near Fairfax, Virginia, contact us for a consultation.
Prostitution and Solicitation Defense FAQs
What should I do if I am charged with solicitation in Virginia?
Do not speak to the police without an attorney. Immediately contact a solicitation charge defense lawyer Virginia. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can protect your rights and begin building your defense from the very start.
Can a prostitution charge be dismissed in Virginia?
Yes, it is possible. A prostitution charge dismissed lawyer Virginia can work to have the case dropped by challenging the legality of the arrest, the sufficiency of the evidence, or by negotiating with the prosecutor. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
What is the difference between prostitution and solicitation?
Under Virginia law, prostitution refers to offering or agreeing to engage in sexual activity for payment. Solicitation is the act of requesting or offering to pay for a sexual act. Both are charged under the same statute (Va. Code § 18.2-346) and carry the same penalties.
Will I have to register as a sex offender for a prostitution conviction?
No. A simple prostitution or solicitation conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-346 in Virginia does not trigger mandatory sex offender registration. However, a conviction will still result in a permanent criminal record.
What are the defenses to a solicitation charge?
Common defenses include challenging the intent of the interaction, arguing entrapment by law enforcement, moving to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and questioning the reliability of witness identification. A skilled prostitution lawyer Virginia will analyze all angles.
For more information on Virginia law, you can review the official Va. Code § 18.2-346 or visit the Virginia Courts website.
If you are facing related charges, you may also want to consult a Virginia criminal defense lawyer. For charges in other areas, see our page for a sex crime lawyer in Fairfax County.