Firearm by Felon Lawyer Alexandria, VA

A firearm-possession charge against a convicted felon in Alexandria, Virginia, carries serious potential consequences, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches each case under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 with an understanding of how the Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court handle these felony matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team include a former prosecutor and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving them insight into both sides of a firearm-by-felon prosecution. Whether the charge originated from a traffic stop, a search warrant, or a domestic incident, the team works to build a thorough defense. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Firearm by Felon Means in Alexandria

Under Virginia law, it is a criminal offense for a person convicted of any felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, classifies the offense as a Class 6 felony, which generally carries a punishment range of one to five years in prison or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. However, the statute also imposes mandatory minimum sentences if certain aggravating factors are present—for example, a two-year mandatory minimum if the prior felony was a violent felony committed within ten years, and a five-year mandatory minimum if the prior felony was violent and the firearm was loaded.

In Alexandria, firearm-by-felon charges are initially heard in the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320. That court conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases. If a judge finds probable cause, the matter is certified to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these cases. The Alexandria General District Court is presided over by Hon. Donald M. Haddock Jr., and counsel appearing in criminal matters should keep court hours (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) in mind when scheduling. Because this charge affects fundamental rights—including the right to possess firearms in the future and, in some cases, federal firearms prohibitions—having an experienced defense team is crucial.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases

The defense strategy in a firearm-by-felon case begins with a careful review of the arrest and evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether law enforcement had a lawful basis for the stop or search that led to the weapon’s discovery. The team evaluates whether the alleged possession meets the statutory definition—for instance, whether the item qualifies as a firearm and whether the defendant had knowing and intentional possession. The team also investigates whether the predicate felony conviction is valid and whether any restoration of civil rights or expungement might affect the charge.

Because the firm’s Of Counsel includes an attorney who served 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper, the team has firsthand familiarity with police procedures, investigation standards, and enforcement tactics. This background helps identify procedural weaknesses and evidentiary issues that can form the basis of a pretrial motion. Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare for every stage—from preliminary hearing at the General District Court to jury trial in the Circuit Court—and they work to achieve a resolution that addresses the client’s legal exposure and personal circumstances. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The Of Counsel team brings extensive combined legal experience. Their backgrounds include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, a former Virginia State Trooper, and attorneys who concentrate on criminal defense at the state and federal level. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997, with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?

Defense strategies for firearm-by-felon charges in Virginia center on challenging the legality of the stop, the search, or the evidence linking the accused to the firearm. Counsel also examines whether the object meets the legal definition of a firearm, whether the defendant can be linked to the weapon, and whether the predicate felony conviction is valid. In some cases, a motion to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights can lead to dismissal or reduction of charges. Ultimately, an experienced attorney evaluates all legal and factual defenses to build the strongest possible response.

What should I do if I am facing firearm by felon charges in Alexandria?

If you are facing a firearm-by-felon charge in Alexandria, the first step is to exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts with anyone other than your lawyer, and preserve any documents or evidence that may be relevant. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Prompt legal review is important because the preliminary hearing at Alexandria General District Court can occur quickly, and early defense preparation may influence the direction of the case.

Can a felon-in-possession charge be reduced or dismissed in Alexandria?

A felon-in-possession charge may be reduced or dismissed if the defense can show that the search was unlawful, the evidence does not prove knowing possession, or the defendant’s predicate conviction is invalid. In some cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to a plea to a lesser offense, though Virginia judges are not bound by plea agreements and may accept or reject them. Because the mandatory minimum provisions apply only if the prior felony was violent, proving that the predicate conviction falls outside that category can significantly reduce sentencing exposure.

What is the difference between state and federal firearm by felon charges?

Virginia’s firearm-by-felon statute (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) is separate from the federal felon-in-possession statute (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)), which can be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal charges typically carry more severe sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. However, the underlying prohibition is similar. A defendant may face charges in one system, both, or neither, depending on the facts and the charging decisions of state and federal prosecutors. Having counsel with experience in both venues is important.

How does the mandatory minimum work in Virginia firearm-by-felon cases?

Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of two years if the defendant was previously convicted of a violent felony within the prior ten years, and a mandatory minimum of five years if that prior violent felony occurred within the same period and the firearm was loaded. A mandatory minimum means the judge cannot suspend that portion of the sentence; the defendant must serve at least that amount of imprisonment. Because the classification of the prior felony—violent or nonviolent—is a critical factual and legal question, a thorough review of the defendant’s criminal history is an essential part of the defense.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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