In Virginia, solicitation is a serious crime that may involve a long prison term as punishment. While a solicitor does not commit the crime on their own, the act of inducing someone to do so can be a felony.
If you were arrested for solicitation, you need to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Without professional legal assistance, it is easy to make mistakes and face maximum punishment. An experienced Richmond solicitation lawyer can protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome.
Solicitation involves asking or ordering someone to commit a crime. The common types of solicitation are:
For you to be convicted of solicitation in Richmond, the other person does not have to commit the crime in question. They do not even need to attempt it. The act of solicitation itself is a standalone criminal offense.
The severity of penalties can depend on the type of solicited crime and your criminal record. If you are convicted of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, you can face up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If you solicit a minor, you could be charged with a Class 5 or 6 Felony. A conviction may result in up to 10 years in prison. However, a skilled lawyer can help reduce the solicitation charges and fight against severe penalties.
Depending on the situation, your Richmond attorney may decide to use one or several common defenses.
To convict you of solicitation, the prosecution must prove that you intentionally tried to persuade another person to commit a crime. If your attorney can demonstrate that your words were misunderstood or lacked criminal intent, the court may dismiss the charges.
Solicitation requires a clear request or encouragement to commit a specific crime. If there was no direct communication, the prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove that the act of solicitation has occurred.
If law enforcement officers pressured or coerced you into making a solicitation you would not have otherwise made, your attorney may argue entrapment.
Since each case is different, your solicitation attorney can use different approaches and tools to reduce the penalty or even drop the charges. If you decide not to fight the charges, your lawyer can help negotiate a plea bargain.
A solicitation charge, no matter how minor it may seem, requires a strong defense. A skilled Richmond solicitation lawyer can help you navigate the case and protect your rights. At Ashwell & Ashwell, we have already helped many people in Virginia avoid unfair solicitation convictions. Call us to discuss your case today.
