Sex Offense in Virginia
2,132 cases across 25 jurisdictions · 2025
According to 2,132 public court records from 2025, Sex Offense cases across 25 Virginia jurisdictions have an average dismissal rate of 62.8% and an average conviction rate of 32.2%. Statewide, 6.6% of Sex Offense charges are reduced to a lesser offense. The average fine is $242.
Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and nolle prosequi (prosecutor-dropped cases). Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Rates are averaged across 25 jurisdictions with available data. Data covers 2025 public court records. Last updated: May 2, 2026
Key takeaways
- Across 25 Virginia jurisdictions, Sex Offense cases had an average dismissal rate of 62.8% and conviction rate of 32.2% in 2025 (2,132 cases).
- Dismissal rates ranged from 10.0% in Smyth County to 96.6% in Portsmouth among jurisdictions with sex offense data.
- Statewide, 6.6% of Sex Offense charges were reduced to a lesser offense.
Exhibit · Outcomes vary by court
Where Sex Offense cases are dismissed or dropped, by jurisdiction
Across the 10 busiest courts96.6% in Portsmouth to 27.7% in Virginia Beach — same charge, different result by court.
Select Your Jurisdiction
Outcomes vary significantly by court. Type your county or city below to find it quickly.
Comparison by Court
| Jurisdiction | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate | Median Duration | Avg Fine | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 308 | 60.7% | 28.2% | 4.2 months | — | 3.8 years |
| Prince William County | 252 | 76.3% | 18.4% | 5.3 months | — | 8.1 years |
| Chesterfield County | 186 | 57.8% | 41.1% | 6.2 months | — | 11.3 years |
| Norfolk | 172 | 68.9% | 22.8% | 5.2 months | $100 | 8.4 years |
| Portsmouth | 130 | 96.6% | 3.4% | 4.9 months | — | 11.5 months |
| Virginia Beach | 121 | 27.7% | 68.2% | 5.0 months | $194 | 3.8 years |
| Newport News | 112 | 49.5% | 44.6% | 4.2 months | $58 | 4.9 years |
| Arlington County | 112 | 61.7% | 29.7% | 6.0 months | $625 | 5.8 years |
| Fairfax County | 99 | 79.4% | 20.6% | 4.7 months | $333 | 7.9 months |
| Chesapeake | 83 | 65.0% | 20.0% | 9.0 months | — | 2.5 years |
| Henrico County | 57 | 45.7% | 44.9% | 6.1 months | — | 3.5 years |
| Tazewell County | 56 | 63.6% | 36.4% | 1.3 years | — | 5.8 years |
| Spotsylvania County | 56 | 52.4% | 47.6% | 6.1 months | $262 | 6.8 years |
| Richmond City | 54 | 66.7% | 33.3% | 4.2 months | — | 8.1 years |
| Rockingham County | 50 | 78.7% | 21.3% | 6.7 months | — | 9.2 years |
| Stafford County | 44 | 60.5% | 39.5% | 3.7 months | $200 | 4.9 years |
| Alexandria | 42 | 55.8% | 38.0% | 5.3 months | $100 | 2.3 years |
| Roanoke City | 35 | 36.7% | 63.3% | 2.0 months | $100 | 5.0 months |
| Roanoke County | 27 | 86.7% | 13.3% | 5.5 months | — | 1.0 years |
| Suffolk | 25 | 78.9% | 21.1% | 3.1 months | — | 8.4 months |
| Franklin County | 23 | 53.3% | 46.7% | 5.1 months | — | 22.1 years |
| Gloucester County | 23 | 14.3% | 85.7% | 6.8 months | — | 14.2 years |
| Middlesex County | 23 | 80.0% | 20.0% | 10.0 months | — | 20.0 years |
| Smyth County | 22 | 10.0% | 90.0% | 4.2 months | — | 5.2 years |
| Washington County | 20 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 7.1 months | — | 8.3 years |
Source: Virginia public court records, 2025 — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Compare Sex Offense to Related Charges
See how Sex Offense outcomes compare side-by-side with related charges across Virginia.
Related Virginia Statutes
Virginia Code sections associated with Sex Offense charges.
Case Dismissed?
If your Sex Offense case was dismissed or dropped, you may be eligible to have it sealed from your record.
Data source: Virginia public court records, 2025. 2,132 cases analyzed across 25 jurisdictions. Last updated May 2, 2026. — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results.
What's Next
Sex Offense dismissal rates range from 10% to 97% across Virginia. Your court matters. An attorney who handles Sex Offense cases in your court can review your case — free.
Want data specific to your court and situation? Check your case