Solicitation Criminal Attorney in Newport News
Facing Solicitation Charges in Newport News? Let Our Experience Protect You
If you or someone close to you has been charged with solicitation in Newport News, you may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and anxiety. Concerns about your reputation, job, and future are understandable—especially if the criminal justice system is unfamiliar territory for you.
At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we understand these fears. Our team, led by Attorney Scott Ehrenworth, brings decades of criminal defense experience to every client. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Ehrenworth knows the strategies law enforcement and prosecutors use to build cases, and he draws on this perspective to defend your rights.
When you need a solicitation criminal attorney in Newport News, our team is ready to answer your questions, act promptly, and guide you with dedication. We are here to help you understand your options and protect what matters most.
Don't let a charge of solicitation destroy your career and family. Call our firm for a free consultation and benefit from over 25 years of experience with these sensitive charges. We are your trusted Newport News solicitation defense lawyer team, available 24/7. Reach us at (757) 663-4477 or contact us online.
Understanding Solicitation Laws in Virginia
Solicitation of Prostitution is defined under the Code of Virginia, specifically Va. Code S 18.2-346. It targets the "customer" or "John" and does not require the sexual act to have taken place.
A person is guilty of Solicitation of Prostitution if they:
- Offer Money or Equivalent: The accused must offer money or something of value to another person.
- Intent to Engage in Offensive Sexual Acts: The offer must be made for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act defined by the statute (e.g., intercourse, fellatio, cunnilingus).
- Substantial Act in Furtherance: The accused must thereafter do a substantial act in furtherance of the offer.
It is this final element—the substantial act—that is the most hotly contested by a skilled Newport News solicitation defense lawyer. Actions such as discussing prices, agreeing on a location, or arriving at the agreed-upon location are often used by the prosecution to satisfy this requirement.
Felony Solicitation (Solicitation of a Minor)
While the standard charge is a misdemeanor, the offense becomes a felony if the person solicited is a minor:
- Class 6 Felony: Solicitation of a minor 16 years of age or older (punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison).
- Class 5 Felony: Solicitation of a minor younger than 16 years of age (punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison).
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Solicitation Conviction in Newport News
A conviction for Solicitation of Prostitution is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia, carrying consequences that are both immediate and permanent.
Direct Penalties
- Jail Time: Up to 12 months in the local jail.
- Fines: Up to $2,500.
- Mandatory Testing: A mandatory order for testing for HIV and Hepatitis C and counseling from the Department of Health. This requirement alone highlights the serious nature of the charge.
Collateral Consequences
The long-term effects of a conviction are often more destructive than the misdemeanor sentence:
- Permanent Criminal Record: A Class 1 misdemeanor is a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged.
- Reputational Ruin: Public record of the offense, especially if the arrest is publicized (common in organized sting operations), leading to social isolation, public shaming, and family discord.
- Employment: The conviction is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), which can lead to termination of current employment and render the individual ineligible for future jobs requiring professional licensing or fiduciary trust.
- Security Clearances: A conviction can jeopardize or cause the revocation of professional and security clearances, particularly relevant in military-heavy regions like Newport News.
The immediate need for an aggressive Newport News solicitation defense lawyer is clear when considering the devastation a conviction brings.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Solicitation Defense
Our firm's defense strategy is focused on achieving one goal: preventing a Class 1 Misdemeanor conviction on your record. We use over 25 years of experience to strategically undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Attacking the Undercover Officer's Testimony: In nearly all solicitation cases, the key witness is the officer. We focus on inconsistencies in their reports, whether we improperly initiated the discussion of money or sex, or if we coerced the client to arrive at the location, strengthening the entrapment argument.
- Challenging the "Substantial Act": We argue that the client had the opportunity to withdraw from the agreement and that their final act—whether driving to the location or making the final communication—was insufficient to satisfy the statutory element.
- Mitigation and Disposition: We leverage our firm's strong reputation to present a comprehensive mitigation package to the prosecutor and the judge. This includes employment history, character references, and proactive counseling/testing to secure the most favorable disposition, such as a charge reduction or a suspended sentence.
When your reputation and freedom are at risk, you need a solicitation criminal attorney in Newport News who knows how to discreetly and effectively handle these charges.
What You Should Do Right Now If Charged
If you are facing a solicitation charge in Newport News, your immediate actions are important. Taking the right steps and avoiding common mistakes can help protect your rights and future.
Follow these steps if you have been charged:
- Avoid discussing your case with police, employers, or anyone else except your attorney until you receive legal advice.
- Keep notes of any conversations with law enforcement or others about your situation.
- Contact a qualified solicitation criminal attorney Newport News trusts as soon as possible for confidential counsel and guidance.
- Appear at all scheduled hearings at Newport News General District Court to prevent additional legal consequences.
Acting quickly can provide important protections. Our team offers prompt assistance, including after-hours access to support your peace of mind and protect your privacy from the start.
What Sets Our Solicitation Defense Apart in Newport News
Every solicitation case has unique facts and complications, so we create defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances—not just a standard response. Attorney Ehrenworth’s longstanding experience with the Newport News General District Court and his practical knowledge of area-specific procedures can benefit your case both in and out of court.
Our approach stands out for several reasons:
- Local court familiarity: We understand how the Newport News General District Court operates, including common prosecutorial tactics and judicial expectations.
- Personalized defense: We take the time to focus on your story, priorities, and concerns, building legal strategies that fit your needs.
- Client-centered availability: After-hours appointments are available, ensuring you have support when you need it most.
- Trusted reputation: Attorney Ehrenworth holds a Superb Avvo Rating, showing a longstanding history of reliable legal advocacy throughout Hampton Roads.
If you are looking for a solicitation criminal lawyer Newport News can trust, we work to provide defense that is effective and respectful of your privacy.
How to Get Started With Our Newport News Solicitation Defense Team
Reaching out early can make a meaningful difference for your defense. Our process starts with a confidential, nonjudgmental consultation. When you contact Ehrenworth Law, PLLC by phone or online, we aim to respond promptly and can offer after-hours appointments to suit your needs.
During your first consultation, we listen to your concerns and explain what you can expect throughout your case. Many clients feel more confident after learning about our process and the practical ways Attorney Ehrenworth leverages prosecutorial insight to build a tailored defense. Our promise is to offer you clear information, respect, and dedicated support at every step.
Call (757) 663-4477 or fill out our online form to speak directly with our team. Your defense starts as soon as you reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I’m charged with solicitation in Newport News?
After you are charged, Newport News Police typically issue a summons or make an arrest. Your first court date will generally be at Newport News General District Court, where you are advised of your rights and asked to enter a plea. The timeline following this appearance depends on factors like case complexity and court scheduling. When you hire counsel promptly, we can begin planning your defense, represent you at hearings, and communicate with the prosecution on your behalf. Our Newport News experience helps us guide you through each stage with clarity.
Will you keep my case confidential?
Yes, protecting your privacy is a priority for us. We treat every client’s information with complete confidentiality. We do not share details about your case with anyone outside our firm unless required by law or your instructions. Solicitation charges carry unique reputational risks, so your trust and privacy matter greatly to us, from your first call through the conclusion of your case.
How does your prosecutorial background help my case?
Attorney Scott Ehrenworth’s background as a former prosecutor gives your defense a strategic advantage. We can often anticipate the prosecution’s approach and create defenses that address likely arguments and tactics. Our understanding of the Newport News legal system means we know how to navigate the process and respond to specific challenges, helping you make informed choices throughout your case.
What penalties could I face if convicted?
Solicitation is charged as a misdemeanor in most first-offense cases in Virginia. Penalties may include fines, possible jail time, probation, required classes, or a permanent record. If you have prior convictions or there are aggravating circumstances, penalties can be more severe. The legal consequences are not the only concern—clients often face employment and reputation impacts. We strive to help you understand each risk and work to mitigate the consequences whenever possible.
What should I do if contacted by police or investigators?
If law enforcement or an investigator reaches out to you regarding your case, do not answer questions or discuss your situation before consulting your attorney. Politely inform them you wish to speak with counsel and contact us for advice. Anything you say could be used as evidence. Our team is available to guide you through these interactions and help preserve your rights.
Can I schedule an appointment after hours?
Yes, we offer after-hours appointments because we recognize that urgent legal concerns do not always fit within business hours. If you require flexibility due to work or personal commitments, let us know when you contact Ehrenworth Law, PLLC and we will work to accommodate your schedule. Our goal is to provide high-quality support and access for clients throughout Newport News.
Take the Next Step—Your Defense Begins With a Call
The sooner you connect with a skilled solicitation criminal lawyer Newport News relies on, the sooner you can start building a strong defense. Our team at Ehrenworth Law, PLLC offers confidential, nonjudgmental legal counsel from your very first conversation. We understand what is at stake and work quickly to answer your questions, address your concerns, and treat your situation with the seriousness you deserve.
When you work with Attorney Scott Ehrenworth and our defense team, you benefit from prosecutorial insight, decades of criminal defense experience, and a commitment to discretion and client-focused service. We strive to make the legal process clear, manageable, and oriented toward your future.
Contact us online today at (757) 663-4477 to start your defense with a team dedicated to your needs.
