Gun Crime Lawyer Alexandria, VA

When you are facing a gun‑related criminal charge in Alexandria, Virginia, the stakes can be severe. Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor firearm offenses, while Alexandria Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony gun crimes. Both courts sit within the Eighteenth Judicial District, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these matters with the full resources of the state. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., draws on his experience as a former prosecutor to defend clients against gun charges. Together with his Of Counsel team, he works to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue a favorable resolution. For a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Gun Crime Means in Alexandria

Alexandria is an independent city just south of Arlington and the District of Columbia. Gun‑related charges here are prosecuted under Virginia Code Title 18.2, which covers offenses ranging from carrying a concealed weapon without a permit to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and the use of a firearm during a felony. Because Alexandria has its own courthouse—Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, and Alexandria Circuit Court—the local rules and court culture directly influence how a gun case moves forward.

Misdemeanor gun charges, such as a first‑offense concealed‑carry violation under Va. Code § 18.2‑308, are adjudicated in the General District Court. Felony matters, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under § 18.2‑308.2 or the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, proceed to the Circuit Court, where the defendant has a right to a jury trial. The penalties a judge or jury may impose depend on the class of offense and the specific statute. The firm’s familiarity with the Alexandria court process allows Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to tailor a defense that accounts for local procedural practices.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Gun Crime Cases

Every gun‑crime case in Alexandria begins with a thorough review of the arrest, the search that led to the seizure of the firearm, and the statements made to law enforcement. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize whether the police had reasonable suspicion to stop you, probable cause to search your person or vehicle, and whether all statutory elements of the charged offense are supported by evidence. They draw on extensive combined legal experience to identify procedural errors that can lead to suppression of evidence or reduction of charges.

Because many firearm statutes carry mandatory minimums, early intervention is critical. The team explores every possibility—from challenging the probable cause affidavit at a preliminary hearing in the General District Court, to negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for an amendment to a lesser offense, to presenting mitigating circumstances at sentencing. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep you informed of your options so you can make decisions based on a clear understanding of the risks and the potential consequences.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced criminal defense in Virginia since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He 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 team bring extensive combined legal experience to firearm defense. Each Of Counsel attorney is a seasoned practitioner who contributes thorough knowledge of Virginia criminal procedure and courtroom dynamics. Together, they work to build a defense that addresses both the immediate charges and the long‑term consequences of a gun‑crime conviction, including the permanent loss of firearm rights. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Alexandria?

Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony. The permit exception is provided by Va. Code § 18.2‑308.04. In Alexandria, these cases begin in the General District Court, but a felony charge will be indicted and tried in the Circuit Court.

Is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon a felony in Virginia?

Yes, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. If the prior felony was a violent felony as defined in § 17.1‑805, a mandatory minimum of two years applies; if the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum rises to five years. A conviction also triggers a lifetime federal firearms disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

What should I do if I am arrested for a gun crime in Alexandria?

After an arrest for a gun crime, you should remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts with police or anyone else. Preserve any evidence that may help your defense, such as receipts or witness contact information. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Early involvement by an experienced attorney can influence bond, charge decisions, and the overall direction of the case.

Can a gun charge affect my right to own firearms in the future?

A conviction for many Virginia gun crimes will result in the loss of your firearm rights, often permanently. For example, a felony firearm conviction triggers a lifetime prohibition under both state law and the federal Gun Control Act. Even a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence can impose a federal firearm disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). An attorney can explain the specific collateral consequences based on the charge you face.

Do I need a lawyer for a gun crime charge in Alexandria?

Yes, you should have an attorney represent you on any gun‑related criminal charge. Gun charges can carry jail time, mandatory minimums, and long‑term restrictions on your rights. An attorney can challenge the stop, search, and seizure, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present mitigating evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience in Alexandria courts and can guide you through the process.

How can a Virginia gun crime conviction affect my immigration status?

A firearm conviction can have severe immigration consequences, potentially making a non‑citizen deportable or inadmissible. Both felony firearm offenses and certain misdemeanor convictions can be considered “aggravated felonies” or crimes involving moral turpitude under the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, it is essential to consult with an attorney who understands both criminal defense and immigration law.

For other criminal defense matters in nearby jurisdictions, see our practice pages:

• Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer
• Fairfax City Criminal Lawyer
• Falls Church Criminal Lawyer
• Prince William County Criminal Lawyer

Primary legal sources referenced on this page: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and Alexandria General District Court.

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