Gun crimes in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-308 (carrying concealed weapon) and related statutes, carrying penalties from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felony (1-5 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with 8 total documented case results across all practice areas.
Gun Crime Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia law strictly regulates firearm possession and use. Under Va. Code § 18.2-308, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor. More serious offenses, such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under § 18.2-308.2, are Class 6 felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison. Additional statutes include § 18.2-308.1 (possession on school property) and § 18.2-308.4 (possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs). These charges are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanors and Virginia Beach Circuit Court for felonies. 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 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia Legislature
For the full text of Virginia’s firearm laws, see Va. Code Title 18.2, Chapter 7 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and the Virginia Beach General District Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Virginia Beach General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for gun-related offenses, especially when a firearm is involved in another crime. We have observed that early intervention — before charges are formally filed — can sometimes lead to alternative resolutions.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, permits, and witness contact information.
- Contact a gun crime lawyer immediately to assess your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances; failure to appear can lead to additional charges.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging the legality of a search or the validity of a permit.
In Virginia Beach, gun crimes carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a Class 6 felony (1-5 years in prison).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (§ 18.2-308) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential loss of firearm rights |
| Possession of Firearm by Felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of firearm rights; federal implications |
| Possession on School Property (§ 18.2-308.1) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential expulsion from school |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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%. The firm has handled numerous gun crime cases in Virginia Beach, leveraging deep familiarity with local court procedures and prosecutorial practices. Advocacy Without Borders is the firm’s guiding principle, ensuring clients receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of their case.
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 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. The firm’s firm-wide total of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates a track record of effective advocacy.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from Virginia Beach General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve as a gun crime lawyer near Virginia Beach. Serving the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crimes in Virginia Beach
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach (City), 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (misdemeanor) and Virginia Beach 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.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. Explore related services: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and LLC Lawyer Virginia Beach or Defamation Lawyer Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026