Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas Park, VA

A charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2—possession of a firearm by a convicted felon—is a serious felony matter in Manassas Park, Virginia. A conviction brings a mandatory prison term and permanently alters your record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing firearm‑by‑felon charges in Manassas Park courts, with Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team drawing on extensive combined legal experience to build a defense. We appear in the Manassas Park General District Court and the Manassas Park Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. If you or someone you know has been charged, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Firearm by Felon Means in Manassas Park

In Virginia, any person convicted of a felony is generally prohibited from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting a firearm. Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 makes this a Class 6 felony. Manassas Park follows the same statute, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges actively. The case begins in the Manassas Park General District Court, which handles the initial appearance and preliminary hearing. If the charge proceeds, it moves to the Manassas Park Circuit Court for trial or resolution.

Because the stakes involve mandatory incarceration and the loss of any future firearm rights, the local practice demands a thorough defense early. Manassas Park General District Court does not conduct jury trials; a defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each case at the preliminary hearing stage and throughout, focusing on whether the evidence supports the charge and whether procedural safeguards were followed during the stop, search, and seizure.

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

A firearm‑by‑felon charge often turns on questions of possession, knowledge, and the legality of law‑enforcement actions. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution. This combination gives us a working understanding of how a charge is built—and where it can be challenged.

The defense approach reviews the specific facts: whether the firearm was actually in the accused’s possession or merely nearby; whether the accused knew the item was a firearm; whether the underlying felony conviction is still a valid disqualifier; and whether the search that uncovered the weapon conformed to the Fourth Amendment. When the evidence is weak or a procedural error occurred, we raise those issues before the court. When the prosecution’s case is strong, we work toward a resolution that could mitigate the consequences, such as a reduced charge if legally available. Throughout, we keep the client informed of what to expect in the Manassas Park courts and the realistic range of outcomes.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into the strategies the Commonwealth may employ. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. Our team includes professionals who have served as a Virginia State Trooper and as a prosecutor in another state, providing a layered perspective on criminal defense in Manassas Park. The firm serves clients at the Manassas Park courts from our Fairfax location. To discuss your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is firearm by felon under Virginia law?

Firearm by felon is a criminal charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 that makes it a Class 6 felony for a person previously convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport any firearm. The statute applies to all firearms, whether operable or not, and includes ammunition in some circumstances. Virginia courts rigorously enforce the prohibition, and a conviction may bring a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two or five years depending on the nature of the prior felony. Defenses often challenge the “knowing and intentional” element or the validity of the underlying search.

What are the penalties for firearm by felon in Manassas Park?

A firearm‑by‑felon conviction in Manassas Park is a Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion up to 12 months in jail and a fine. If the prior felony was a violent felony committed within ten years, a mandatory minimum of two years applies; if that prior violent felony involved a loaded firearm, the mandatory minimum rises to five years. Beyond incarceration, a conviction permanently prohibits firearm possession under state and federal law. The Manassas Park Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases with the full weight of the office.

How can a lawyer defend a firearm by felon charge?

A defense lawyer examines the evidence for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—such as whether the accused actually possessed the firearm, knew it was a firearm, or whether law enforcement followed constitutional procedures during the stop and search. Other angles may include challenging the validity of the prior felony or whether the item meets the statutory definition of a firearm. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate the facts to build the most appropriate defense, which may mean pushing for dismissal, fighting at trial, or negotiating a resolution that lessens the consequences.

What should I do if I am charged with firearm by felon in Manassas Park?

If you are facing a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Manassas Park, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone else until you have legal advice. Preserve any documents, witness information, or physical evidence that might be relevant. The initial appearance in Manassas Park General District Court happens quickly, and early legal involvement can affect bond, the preliminary hearing, and the direction of the case. Delaying can limit your defense options.

Can a felon ever legally own a firearm again in Virginia?

In Virginia, a felon may regain firearm rights only if the Governor restores them through an individual petition for restoration of rights, and that restoration must explicitly include the right to possess a firearm. Restoration of civil rights—such as voting—does not automatically restore firearm rights. A separate application is required, and the process can be lengthy. An attorney can advise on eligibility and assist with the petition, but there is no guarantee of approval.

Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Manassas Park?

Yes, because a conviction carries a felony record, mandatory prison time in many cases, and a lifetime federal firearms prohibition that affects employment, housing, and civil rights. A Manassas Park firearm‑by‑felon charge is prosecuted actively, and the procedural rules in General District Court and Circuit Court are complex. Experienced defense counsel can identify legal issues that a self‑represented defendant might miss and can negotiate with the prosecutor from the earliest stages. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Additional resource pages for Virginia criminal defense:
Prince William County criminal lawyer |
Manassas criminal lawyer |
Fairfax County criminal lawyer

Primary authority:
Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 |
Manassas Park General District Court

Last reviewed: July 2026

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