A firearm by felon charge in Bedford County, Virginia, is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, carrying a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and up to five years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County, including 4 documented results with favorable outcomes in all reported instances.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. This prohibition is codified at Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, which makes it a Class 6 felony for a convicted felon to possess any firearm. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, with a maximum of five years. The statute applies to any person who has been convicted of a felony in Virginia or any other jurisdiction. The law also extends to persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. The prohibition covers all firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The Commonwealth must prove that the defendant knew of their felon status and knowingly possessed the firearm. Defenses may include lack of knowledge, temporary possession, or restoration of firearm rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
For information on Virginia’s court system and procedures, visit Bedford County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Bedford County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County is particularly focused on cases involving prior violent felony convictions. Early intervention and a strong factual defense are critical to achieving a favorable outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest or when you learn of an investigation.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of your firearm rights restoration.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Bedford County General District Court or Bedford County Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate potential defenses, including lack of knowledge or procedural errors.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible plea agreement or alternative disposition.
In Bedford County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of five years, along with a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (first offense) | Class 6 Felony | 2–5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; potential federal charges |
| Firearm by Felon (subsequent offense) | Class 6 Felony | 2–5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Enhanced sentencing; permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights |
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 firearm-related cases in Bedford County and throughout Virginia, providing clients with strategic defense and experienced representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County, including 4 documented results with favorable outcomes in all reported instances.
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 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 1 other favorable — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results represent specific cases and do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our location in Woodstock, VA is approximately 120 miles from Bedford County General District Court, with access via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
Firearm by Felon lawyer near Bedford County.
Serving the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm by Felon Charges in Bedford County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Bedford County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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 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.
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Last verified: April 2026