Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
The use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3, carrying 1-5 years in prison per count and mandatory sex offender registration. In New Kent County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors
Virginia Code § 18.2-374.3 makes it a Class 6 felony to use a communications system, including the internet, email, or text messages, to knowingly and intentionally facilitate, solicit, or entice someone to commit certain sex offenses against a minor under 15. This statute is a key tool for prosecutors in New Kent County targeting online child exploitation. A conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. The law is broad, covering any communication used to arrange, plan, or encourage a prohibited act, even if the underlying offense never occurs. Defending against these charges requires an attorney who understands both the legal definitions and the digital evidence involved.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). New Kent County felony cases are heard at the New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County Court Process for These Charges
In New Kent County, an arrest for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors typically starts with a warrant. The case begins with a preliminary hearing in the New Kent County General District Court to determine probable cause. If bound over, a grand jury at the Circuit Court will issue an indictment. These cases often involve extensive digital forensics—seizure of phones, computers, and analysis of online chats or messages by the Virginia State Police. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will seek severe penalties. Defense strategy must start immediately, often focusing on challenging the intent element, the validity of the evidence, or the identity of the person using the communications system.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or upon learning of an investigation.
- Attend the preliminary hearing at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence and seek discovery of all forensic reports.
- Engage in strategic negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, often aiming to reduce the charge to avoid mandatory lifetime registration.
- Prepare for a Circuit Court trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
- If convicted, handle the strict post-conviction requirements, including sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a conviction for use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison per count, with sentences potentially running consecutively.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors (Va. Code § 18.2-374.3) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years per count | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that charges for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors carry a significant stigma and life-altering consequences. Our approach is to mount an aggressive, detail-oriented defense from the outset, examining every piece of digital evidence and challenging the prosecution’s case at each stage.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in challenging sex crime cases. In one case in Bedford County Circuit Court, we defended a client facing three felony counts of computer solicitation. The firm successfully argued for a $25,000 secured bond for the client. In another case in Chesterfield County General District Court, a solicitation of prostitution charge was nolle prossed (dismissed). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Kent County Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. If you need a use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors lawyer New Kent County, contact us for a confidential consultation. We also serve surrounding communities like Providence Forge and Quinton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors in New Kent County
What does “use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors” mean in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3. It involves using the internet, phone, or other electronic means to knowingly arrange, plan, or encourage certain sex crimes against a child under 15, even if the crime does not actually happen.
What is the penalty for this charge in New Kent County?
1 to 5 years in prison per count and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also mandates lifetime registration as a sex offender. Sentences can run consecutively for multiple counts, skilled to decades in prison.
Do I need an online child exploitation defense lawyer New Kent County for this charge?
Yes. These cases are technically complex, involving digital forensics and strict laws. An experienced online child exploitation defense lawyer New Kent County can challenge the evidence, the intent element, and work to avoid the lifetime registry requirement.
What should I do if I am under investigation for this internet crime involving a minor?
Immediately contact an internet crime involving minor lawyer New Kent County. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney. Do not delete any data from your devices, as this can be seen as destruction of evidence.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. Outcomes depend on the strength of the evidence, your history, and the defense strategy. An experienced lawyer may negotiate a reduction to a charge that does not carry mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in New Kent County and DUI defense in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.