Solicitation of Prostitution Lawyer Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Solicitation of prostitution is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-346, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction also requires registration as a sex offender. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending these charges in Virginia courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Solicitation of Prostitution
In Virginia, solicitation of prostitution is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-346. The law prohibits offering or agreeing to pay a fee for sexual acts. The statute is broad and can apply to various forms of communication, including online interactions. The charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor category in Virginia. A conviction carries a mandatory requirement to register on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, which has lifelong consequences for housing, employment, and reputation.
- Secure legal representation immediately after an arrest or charge.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including police reports and communication records.
- Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions, which may challenge the legality of the arrest or the evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a charge reduction or alternative disposition.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable plea agreement cannot be reached.
- If convicted, your attorney can advocate for minimal penalties and explore appeal options.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-346 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For information on the sex offender registry, visit the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry.
Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in Virginia
In Virginia, solicitation of prostitution is a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties that include jail time, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation of Prostitution (Va. Code § 18.2-346) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration; permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We understand the severe, long-term consequences of a solicitation conviction and work to protect our clients’ futures. Our team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into the prosecution of sex-related offenses.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in solicitation cases across Virginia. For example, in Fairfax County General District Court, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution. In the Town of Herndon, we have successfully negotiated amendments of solicitation charges down to disorderly conduct (Va. Code § 18.2-415), a lesser offense that does not carry sex offender registration requirements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Solicitation Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William. We are accessible via I-66, I-495, and Route 50. If you need a solicitation defense lawyer Virginia or a john sting defense lawyer Virginia, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for solicitation of prostitution in Virginia?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for a solicitation conviction?
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-346 requires registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, which is public and has lifelong consequences.
What are common defenses against a solicitation charge?
Defenses can include lack of intent, entrapment (common in “john stings”), insufficient evidence, and constitutional violations during the arrest. An experienced solicitation defense lawyer Virginia can evaluate the specifics of your case.
Can a solicitation charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Through negotiation, charges are sometimes amended to non-sex offenses like disorderly conduct, which avoids sex offender registration. Dismissals can occur if evidence is suppressed or the prosecution’s case is weak.
What should I do if I was arrested in a prostitution sting?
Do not speak to police without an attorney. Contact a john sting defense lawyer Virginia immediately. These operations often involve undercover officers, and your lawyer will scrutinize the methods used for potential entrapment defenses.
Related Pages: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crimes Defense hub page, or read about criminal defense in Fairfax. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Arlington.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.