In Fairfax County, Virginia, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,741 documented results in Fairfax County, including 575 dismissals and 1,038 reductions.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Fairfax, Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. This prohibition also applies to individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses. A violation is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years for a first offense. The law is enforced at Fairfax County General District Court for preliminary hearings and at Fairfax County Circuit Court for felony trials. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, see Fairfax County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Fairfax County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum 2-year sentence for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the arrest and search procedures can create opportunities for suppression or reduction.
- Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or home.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Contact a firearm by felon defense lawyer Fairfax as soon as possible.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of your prior conviction and circumstances of the alleged possession.
- Attend all court hearings at Fairfax County General District Court or Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding potential defenses, such as challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a penalty range of 1 to 5 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 2 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (First Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; difficulty with employment and housing |
| Firearm by Felon (Subsequent Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential driver’s license suspension | Enhanced penalties; permanent criminal record |
Results may vary.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,741 documented results in Fairfax County: 575 dismissed or not guilty, 1,038 reduced or amended, and 54 deferred — a favorable-outcome rate of 96%. Results may vary. These results include cases handled by the firm’s attorneys across various criminal practice areas.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 1.5 miles from Fairfax County General District Court, with access via I-66 and Route 50. As a firearm by felon lawyer near Fairfax, we serve the communities of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fairfax County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fairfax County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Fairfax County General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
Defense strategies for firearm by felon in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing firearm by felon charges in Virginia?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing firearm by felon charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia services. For related localities, see our Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County pages. For related practice areas, visit Business Purchase Lawyer Fairfax and Landlord Tenant Lawyer Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2