{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-374.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-374.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-374.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-374.3.html"}],"law_id":77778,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77778,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.3","catch_line":"Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children; penalties","history":"1992, c. 699; 1999, c. 659; 2003, cc. 935, 938; 2004, cc. 414, 444, 459, 864; 2007, cc. 759, 823; 2013, cc. 423, 470; 2014, c. 794; 2025, c. 261.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section, “use a communications system” means making personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print medium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common carrier, any electronic communications system, the Internet, or any telecommunications, wire, computer network, or radio communications system.B\n\nIt is unlawful for any person to use a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means for the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for any activity in violation of § 18.2-370 or 18.2-374.1. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.C\n\nIt is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 15 years of age to knowingly and intentionally:1\n\nExpose his sexual or genital parts to any child to whom he is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his sexual or genital parts to such person;2\n\nPropose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child;3\n\nPropose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361; or4\n\nEntice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions.\n\t\t\t\tAny person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.D\n\nAny person who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any child he knows or has reason to believe is at least 15 years of age but younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally commit any of the activities listed in subsection C if the person is at least seven years older than the child is guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.D1\n\nAny person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, with lascivious intent, to expose his sexual or genital parts to any person he knows or has reason to know is a child to whom he is not legally married and such child is 15 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.E\n\nAny person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 18 years of age for (i) any activity in violation of § 18.2-355 or 18.2-361, (ii) any activity in violation of § 18.2-374.1, or (iii) a violation of § 18.2-374.1:1 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":278943,"text":"As used in this section, “use a communications system” means making personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print medium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common carrier, any electronic communications system, the Internet, or any telecommunications, wire, computer network, or radio communications system.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":278944,"text":"It is unlawful for any person to use a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means for the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for any activity in violation of § 18.2-370 or 18.2-374.1. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":278945,"text":"It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 15 years of age to knowingly and intentionally:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":278946,"text":"Expose his sexual or genital parts to any child to whom he is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his sexual or genital parts to such person;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":278947,"text":"Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":278948,"text":"Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"6":{"id":278949,"text":"Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions.\n\t\t\t\tAny person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":278950,"text":"Any person who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any child he knows or has reason to believe is at least 15 years of age but younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally commit any of the activities listed in subsection C if the person is at least seven years older than the child is guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"D1"},"8":{"id":278951,"text":"Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, with lascivious intent, to expose his sexual or genital parts to any person he knows or has reason to know is a child to whom he is not legally married and such child is 15 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["D1"],"prefix":"D1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E"},"9":{"id":278952,"text":"Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 18 years of age for (i) any activity in violation of § 18.2-355 or 18.2-361, (ii) any activity in violation of § 18.2-374.1, or (iii) a violation of § 18.2-374.1:1 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D1"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14633,"edition_id":1,"name":"Obscenity and Related Offenses","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14022,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:00","permalink":{"id":167843,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14633,"identifier":"5","token":"18.2\/8\/5","url":"\/18.2\/8\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14022,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Morals and Decency","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","permalink":{"id":167393,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14022,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/8","url":"\/18.2\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":81551,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-372","catch_line":"\"Obscene\" defined","url":"\/18.2-372\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-372","metadata":false},{"id":86006,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-373","catch_line":"Obscene items enumerated","url":"\/18.2-373\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-373","metadata":false},{"id":82506,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374","catch_line":"Production, publication, sale, possession, etc., of obscene items","url":"\/18.2-374\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374","metadata":false},{"id":61326,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.1","catch_line":"Production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child pornography; presumption as to age","url":"\/18.2-374.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.1","metadata":false},{"id":63653,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.1:1","catch_line":"Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography; penalty","url":"\/18.2-374.1_1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":83319,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.1:2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-374.1_2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":83624,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-374.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.2","metadata":false},{"id":77778,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.3","catch_line":"Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children; penalties","url":"\/18.2-374.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.3","metadata":false},{"id":56184,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.4","catch_line":"Display of child pornography or grooming video or materials to a child unlawful; penalty","url":"\/18.2-374.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.4","metadata":false},{"id":82785,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-375","catch_line":"Obscene exhibitions and performances","url":"\/18.2-375\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-375","metadata":false},{"id":83162,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-376","catch_line":"Advertising, etc., obscene items, exhibitions or performances","url":"\/18.2-376\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-376","metadata":false},{"id":67022,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-376.1","catch_line":"Enhanced penalties for using a computer in certain violations","url":"\/18.2-376.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-376.1","metadata":false},{"id":59750,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-377","catch_line":"Placards, posters, bills, etc","url":"\/18.2-377\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-377","metadata":false},{"id":84687,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-378","catch_line":"Coercing acceptance of obscene articles or publications","url":"\/18.2-378\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-378","metadata":false},{"id":67563,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-379","catch_line":"Employing or permitting minor to assist in offense under article","url":"\/18.2-379\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-379","metadata":false},{"id":81187,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-380","catch_line":"Punishment for first offense","url":"\/18.2-380\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-380","metadata":false},{"id":64773,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-381","catch_line":"Punishment for subsequent offenses; additional penalty for owner","url":"\/18.2-381\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-381","metadata":false},{"id":72092,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-382","catch_line":"Photographs, slides and motion pictures","url":"\/18.2-382\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-382","metadata":false},{"id":70160,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-383","catch_line":"Exceptions to application of article","url":"\/18.2-383\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-383","metadata":false},{"id":66727,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-384","catch_line":"Proceeding against book alleged to be obscene","url":"\/18.2-384\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-384","metadata":false},{"id":74201,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-385","catch_line":"Section 18.2-384 applicable to motion picture films","url":"\/18.2-385\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-385","metadata":false},{"id":72244,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-386","catch_line":"Showing previews of certain motion pictures","url":"\/18.2-386\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-386","metadata":false},{"id":79274,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-386.1","catch_line":"Unlawful creation of image of another; penalty","url":"\/18.2-386.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-386.1","metadata":false},{"id":69532,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-386.2","catch_line":"Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another; penalty","url":"\/18.2-386.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-386.2","metadata":false},{"id":68125,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-387","catch_line":"Indecent exposure","url":"\/18.2-387\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-387","metadata":false},{"id":80972,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-387.1","catch_line":"Obscene sexual display; penalty","url":"\/18.2-387.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-387.1","metadata":false},{"id":85045,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-388","catch_line":"Intoxication in public; penalty; transportation of public inebriates to detoxification center","url":"\/18.2-388\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-388","metadata":false},{"id":65058,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-389","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-389\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-389","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":83624,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-374.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56184,"structure_id":14633,"section_number":"18.2-374.4","catch_line":"Display of child pornography or grooming video or materials to a child unlawful; penalty","url":"\/18.2-374.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.4","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-374.3\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1992. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 699 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1992 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1999, chapter 659<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 935<\/a> and 938<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 414<\/a>, 444<\/a>, 459<\/a>, and 864<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 759<\/a> and 823<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 423<\/a> and 470<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 794<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 261<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80246,"section_number":"17.1-805","catch_line":"Adoption of initial discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-805\/"},{"id":64807,"section_number":"19.2-268.3","catch_line":"Admissibility of statements by children in certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-268.3\/"},{"id":82621,"section_number":"19.2-305.1","catch_line":"Restitution for property damage or loss; community service","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-305.1\/"},{"id":66548,"section_number":"19.2-386.31","catch_line":"Seizure and forfeiture of property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-386.31\/"},{"id":61280,"section_number":"19.2-392.02","catch_line":"National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.02\/"},{"id":56012,"section_number":"19.2-70.3","catch_line":"Obtaining records concerning electronic communication service or remote computing service","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-70.3\/"},{"id":59659,"section_number":"63.2-1530","catch_line":"Virginia Child Protection Accountability System","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1530\/"},{"id":80819,"section_number":"9.1-902","catch_line":"Offenses requiring registration","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-902\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57212,"section_number":"18.2-355","catch_line":"Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto; human trafficking","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-355\/"},{"id":55287,"section_number":"18.2-361","catch_line":"Crimes against nature; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-361\/"},{"id":60265,"section_number":"18.2-370","catch_line":"Taking indecent liberties with children; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-370\/"},{"id":61326,"section_number":"18.2-374.1","catch_line":"Production, publication, sale, financing, etc., of child pornography; presumption as to age","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-374.1\/"},{"id":63653,"section_number":"18.2-374.1:1","catch_line":"Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-374.1_1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":167873,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77778,"identifier":"18.2-374.3","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.3","url":"\/18.2-374.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-374.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/5\/18.2-374.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-374.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section, “use a communications system<\/span>” means making personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print medium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common carrier, any electronic communications system, the Internet, or any telecommunications, wire, computer network, or radio communications system. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person to use a communications system<\/span>, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means for the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor<\/span> for any activity in violation of § 18.2-370<\/a> or 18.2-374.1<\/a>. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a communications system<\/span>, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent<\/span>, any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 15 years of age to knowingly and intentionally: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Expose his sexual or genital parts to any child to whom he is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his sexual or genital parts to such person; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense<\/span> under § 18.2-361<\/a>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions.\n\t\t\t\tAny person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 5 felony<\/span>. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any person who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent<\/span>, any child he knows or has reason to believe is at least 15 years of age but younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally commit any of the activities listed in subsection C if the person is at least seven years older than the child is guilty of a Class 5 felony<\/span>. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D1.<\/span> Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, with lascivious intent<\/span>, to expose his sexual or genital parts to any person he knows or has reason to know is a child to whom he is not legally married and such child is 15 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 18 years of age for (i) any activity in violation of § 18.2-355<\/a> or 18.2-361<\/a>, (ii) any activity in violation of § 18.2-374.1<\/a>, or (iii) a violation of § 18.2-374.1:1<\/a> is guilty of a Class 5 felony<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nUSE OF COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TO FACILITATE CERTAIN OFFENSES INVOLVING CHILDREN;\nPENALTIES (\u00a7 18.2-374.3)\n\nA. As used in this section, “use a communications system” means\nmaking personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print\nmedium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common\ncarrier, any electronic communications system, the Internet, or any\ntelecommunications, wire, computer network, or radio communications system.\n\nB. It is unlawful for any person to use a communications system, including\ncomputers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means\nfor the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for any activity\nin violation of § 18.2-370 or 18.2-374.1. A violation of this subsection is\na Class 6 felony.\n\nC. It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a\ncommunications system, including computers or computer networks or bulletin\nboards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with\nlascivious intent, any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child\nyounger than 15 years of age to knowingly and intentionally:\n\n 1. Expose his sexual or genital parts to any child to whom he is not legally\n married or propose that any such child expose his sexual or genital parts to\n such person;\n\n 2. Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts\n or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel\n or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child;\n\n 3. Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal\n intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an\n offense under § 18.2-361; or\n\n 4. Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle,\n room, house, or other place, for any purposes set forth in the preceding\n subdivisions.\n \t\t\t\tAny person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 5 felony.\n However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows\n or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be\n punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than\n 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be\n mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or\n subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven\n years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15\n years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10\n years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum\n term of imprisonment.\n\nD. Any person who uses a communications system, including computers or computer\nnetworks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of\nsoliciting, with lascivious intent, any child he knows or has reason to believe\nis at least 15 years of age but younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and\nintentionally commit any of the activities listed in subsection C if the person\nis at least seven years older than the child is guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any\nperson who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be\npunished by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years,\none year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.\n\nD1. Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system,\nincluding computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other\nelectronic means, with lascivious intent, to expose his sexual or genital parts\nto any person he knows or has reason to know is a child to whom he is not\nlegally married and such child is 15 years of age or older is guilty of a Class\n1 misdemeanor.\n\nE. Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system,\nincluding computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other\nelectronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has\nreason to believe is a child younger than 18 years of age for (i) any activity\nin violation of § 18.2-355 or 18.2-361, (ii) any activity in violation of\n§ 18.2-374.1, or (iii) a violation of § 18.2-374.1:1 is guilty of a\nClass 5 felony.\n\nHISTORY: 1992, c. 699; 1999, c. 659; 2003, cc. 935, 938; 2004, cc. 414, 444,\n459, 864; 2007, cc. 759, 823; 2013, cc. 423, 470; 2014, c. 794; 2025, c. 261.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}