Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
A charge for the use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 is a serious felony in Chesapeake, Virginia, carrying 1-5 years in prison per count and mandatory sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas in Chesapeake.
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 years of age. The statute is broad and covers attempts to arrange illegal contact, even if no physical meeting occurs. The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent to facilitate a prohibited act with a minor.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 (official Virginia General Assembly). Chesapeake cases are heard at the Chesapeake General District Court for preliminary hearings and Chesapeake Circuit Court for trials.
Defense Strategy for Chesapeake Internet Sex Crime Cases
These cases often involve complex digital evidence and undercover operations. A key local procedural fact is that the Chesapeake Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively prosecutes these charges, and securing bond can be difficult. Defense strategy must immediately address forensic analysis of devices and online communications. The primary goal is often to challenge the element of intent and the identity/age of the alleged minor, which is frequently an undercover law enforcement officer in online sting operations.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Do not speak to investigators. Contact a lawyer before any questioning.
- Preserve Digital Evidence: Do not delete files, reformat devices, or change online accounts. This can be seen as destruction of evidence.
- Case Analysis: Your attorney will review all discovery, including chat logs, IP address data, and undercover officer reports to identify defense angles.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or challenge the validity of the investigation.
- Trial or Negotiation: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will advise on pursuing a trial or negotiating a plea to a lesser, non-registry offense.
Penalties for Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, use of communications systems to facilitate offenses against minors is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison per count, a fine up to $2,500, and lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
| 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 | N/A | Lifetime sex offender registration; GPS monitoring possible; professional license revocation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesapeake Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe, lifelong consequences of a conviction for an internet crime involving a minor and build defenses focused on the details of the digital evidence and the specific intent required by law.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of handling sensitive sex crime cases. In one instance, our attorneys secured a reinstated bond for a client facing three felony charges of computer solicitation in Bedford County. In another case in Chesterfield County, we achieved a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution. For Chesapeake, we have 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Chesapeake Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Chesapeake General District Court on Albemarle Drive. We provide representation for individuals in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. If you need an online child exploitation defense lawyer in Chesapeake, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Offenses Against Minors in Chesapeake
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 try to arrange or encourage certain sex crimes with a person you believe is under 15. The crime is complete upon the communication with the intent to facilitate the offense, even if no meeting happens.
What are the penalties for this charge in Chesapeake?
Each count is punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender. Sentences for multiple counts can run consecutively, skilled to decades in prison. A conviction also carries severe social and professional consequences.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A felony conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 requires lifetime registration under Virginia’s sex offender registry laws (§ 9.1-901). This is a primary reason why defense strategy focuses on charge reduction or dismissal to avoid this permanent consequence.
What if I was talking to an undercover police officer and not a real minor?
It does not matter. Virginia law allows prosecution if you had the intent to commit the offense with a person you believed to be a minor. The fact that it was a law enforcement officer is not a defense to the charge of attempted facilitation.
Why do I need a lawyer experienced in internet crimes?
These cases hinge on digital forensics, data extraction, and understanding online communication context. An experienced internet crime involving minor lawyer in Chesapeake can analyze metadata, challenge the methods of evidence collection, and protect your rights during the investigation.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, explore our Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer or Virginia sex crime defense lawyer pages for more information.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.