Firearm by Felon Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm in Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in King William County, with 2 reduced or amended outcomes. A conviction carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum incarceration.
Understanding Va. Code § 18.2-308.2: Firearm by Felon
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it a Class 5 felony for any person who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, carry, or transport any firearm. The statute applies to all felonies, including those from other states or federal convictions. A Class 5 felony in Virginia carries a penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The law also prohibits possession of ammunition. There is no exception for antique firearms or firearms kept at home. The Commonwealth must prove that you knew you possessed the firearm and that you had a prior felony conviction. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of the statute, visit Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and local rules, see the King William County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Local Procedural Insights for King William County
In King William County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that early intervention and a strong factual defense can lead to charge reductions or dismissals.
- Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or home.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the firearm’s ownership or registration.
- Contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer King William County before your first court appearance.
- Attend all scheduled hearings at King William County General District Court or King William County Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore all defense options, including challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
In King William County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a penalty range of 1 to 10 years in prison for a Class 5 felony, with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if the firearm was used in a violent felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (first offense) | Class 5 Felony | 1–10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | 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 (with prior violent felony) | Class 5 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 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 |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Firearm by Felon Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our firm has a deep understanding of Virginia’s firearm laws and the local courts in King William County. We have handled numerous criminal cases in King William County General District Court and King William County Circuit Court, achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who provide unique insight into the prosecution’s strategy.
Your Legal Team
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
Case Results in King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in King William County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include amendments to lesser charges in reckless driving cases, demonstrating our ability to negotiate favorable resolutions. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from King William County General District Court, with access via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. We are a Firearm by Felon Lawyer King William County serving the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. Our location is at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm by Felon Charges in King William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William 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 King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
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 King William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and King William County Circuit Court (felony) 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; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at King William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and King William County Circuit Court (felony) (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William 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. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?
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?
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and Family Law Lawyer King William County.
Last verified: April 2026
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (888) 437-7747