Firearm by Felon Lawyer Prince William County, VA
A charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is among the most serious weapons offenses prosecuted in Virginia. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, it is a Class 6 felony, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County pursues these cases vigorously. A conviction can bring a prison sentence, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, and firearm rights for life. When you face this charge in Prince William County—whether in the General District Court or the Circuit Court—the stakes could not be higher. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to firearm‑by‑felon defense, analyzing every aspect of the prosecution’s case and working to protect your rights at each stage of the proceeding. For a consultation about a pending firearm‑by‑felon matter in Prince William County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Firearm by Felon Means in Prince William County
In Virginia, the offense commonly called “firearm by felon” is codified as “possession or transportation of a firearm by a convicted felon.” The statute prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting a firearm. The prohibition also applies to certain individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under federal law. In Prince William County, these charges often arise from traffic stops, domestic disturbances, or the execution of a search warrant, and they are prosecuted in the Prince William County General District Court for preliminary hearings and in the Prince William County Circuit Court for trial.
The penalty for a standard firearm‑by‑felon conviction is that of a Class 6 felony.
A Class 6 felony in Virginia is punishable by imprisonment of one to five years, or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2‑10, 18.2‑308.2. Virginia Code § 18.2‑308.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Enhanced mandatory minimum sentences apply in certain aggravated circumstances—for example, if the prior felony was a violent felony and the firearm was loaded—but the base offense already carries significant exposure. Beyond incarceration, a conviction means a permanent loss of firearm rights that can be restored only through a gubernatorial petition. Because of these stakes, early intervention by experienced defense counsel is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled criminal matters at both the General District Court and the Circuit Court in Prince William County, and they understand the local procedures, the expectations of the judges, and the approach of the prosecutors who handle these cases.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases
Every firearm‑by‑felon case presents a unique set of facts, and the defense strategy must be tailored to those facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by scrutinizing the evidence the Commonwealth intends to use: how the firearm was discovered, whether the search and seizure complied with the Fourth Amendment, and whether the alleged possession was actually knowing and intentional. In many firearm‑by‑felon cases, the central questions are whether the accused actually possessed the weapon and whether the accused had the requisite knowledge of its presence.
The legal team examines every aspect of the stop, the search, and the chain of custody. If law enforcement violated constitutional protections, a motion to suppress the evidence may be filed in the Prince William County General District Court or, if the case is indicted, in the Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also evaluate whether the prior felony conviction is a qualifying predicate offense under Virginia law—an issue that sometimes requires a close reading of the record of the prior case. Where the facts permit, they engage with the prosecutor to seek a reduction of the charge or a disposition that avoids the most severe collateral consequences.
If a case goes to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a thorough defense, cross‑examine the Commonwealth’s witnesses, and argue any applicable legal defenses. Throughout the process, they guide clients through each court appearance, from arraignment and bond hearing through any trial or negotiated resolution, keeping them informed of what to expect at the Prince William County courthouse at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia.
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 has practiced criminal defense since 1997. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases, and he brings that perspective to every firearm‑by‑felon representation. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal matters in Prince William County. Results may vary. The firm has documented case results across multiple practice areas, and the Of Counsel attorneys who support Mr. Sris in firearm‑by‑felon cases include former law enforcement and former prosecutorial talent, ensuring a well‑rounded defense team. For a consultation about a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Prince William County, call (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for firearm by felon in Virginia?
A conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony, carrying a prison term of one to five years or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail. Enhanced mandatory minimum sentences apply when the prior felony was violent and the firearm was loaded. Beyond incarceration, a conviction results in the permanent loss of firearm rights and a felony record. Because the stakes are so high, anyone charged with this offense should speak with an experienced defense attorney as early as possible.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging the legality of the search, arguing that the defendant did not knowingly possess the firearm, or disputing whether the underlying felony qualifies as a predicate offense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every detail—the traffic stop, the search warrant, the chain of custody, and the prior conviction record—to build the strong $1. In some cases, a motion to suppress can lead to dismissal of the charge; in others, negotiations with the prosecutor can result in a reduced charge or a deferred disposition.
Can a firearm by felon charge be expunged in Virginia?
Generally, a conviction for firearm by felon cannot be expunged under Virginia law because expungement is limited to acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi. However, if the charge is dismissed or the defendant is acquitted, a petition to expunge the police and court records may be filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. Because expungement eligibility depends on the final outcome, it is critical to pursue every available defense to achieve a non‑conviction disposition.
What should I do if I am facing firearm by felon charges in Prince William County?
If you are charged, remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any documents or evidence that may be helpful, and follow all court dates and bond conditions. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible—early representation can influence bail, the direction of the investigation, and the ultimate resolution of the case. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Prince William County?
Yes. A firearm‑by‑felon charge is a felony that can result in years of imprisonment and permanent loss of firearm rights. The legal process in Prince William County moves quickly, and the prosecutor will be represented by an experienced Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Having a defense lawyer who understands the local courts, the applicable statutes, and the available defenses is essential to protect your freedom and your future. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled numerous criminal matters in Prince William County and are prepared to defend you.
How will my prior felony affect a new firearm charge in Virginia?
A prior felony conviction is an element of the firearm‑by‑felon offense—the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you have been convicted of a felony. The specific prior offense can also affect the mandatory minimum sentence if it was a violent felony and the firearm was loaded. Your defense attorney will carefully review the prior conviction to determine whether it qualifies as a predicate offense and, if it does, whether any legal challenge to its validity or classification might be available.
For internal-link navigation: Criminal Lawyer Fairfax County | Criminal Lawyer Stafford County | Criminal Lawyer Loudoun County | Criminal Lawyer Arlington County
Primary sources: Virginia Code § 18.2‑308.2 | Virginia Courts
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