Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
If you are a convicted felon charged with possessing a firearm in Chesterfield County, you face a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carrying a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesterfield County, including documented results at Chesterfield County General District Court and Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Understanding Firearm by Felon Charges Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 prohibits any person convicted of a felony from knowingly possessing, transporting, or carrying a firearm. A violation is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years if the defendant has a prior violent felony conviction. This statute applies to all felons, regardless of whether the underlying conviction was in Virginia or another jurisdiction. The law also extends to persons convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-308.1:1. At Chesterfield County General District Court, preliminary hearings for these charges are conducted before transfer to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for trial. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Statute and Court Resources
For the full text of the firearm by felon prohibition, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on Chesterfield County court procedures, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
Insider Perspective on Firearm by Felon Cases in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon charges, especially when the underlying felony involves violence. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in Chesterfield County is particularly aggressive in cases where the firearm was found during a traffic stop or other police encounter.
- Do not consent to any search of your vehicle, home, or person without a warrant.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesterfield County as soon as possible.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of your prior conviction and the circumstances of the firearm possession.
- Attend all court hearings at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
- Work with your attorney to explore potential defenses, such as challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the underlying conviction.
Penalties for Firearm by Felon in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a Class 6 felony penalty range of 1 to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years for certain prior violent felonies.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (first offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years if prior violent felony) | Up to $2,500 | None specific to this charge | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; potential federal charges |
| Firearm by Felon (subsequent offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | None specific to this charge | Enhanced sentencing; permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights |
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. 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 handled numerous criminal cases in Chesterfield County, including firearm by felon charges, and we understand the local court procedures at Chesterfield County General District Court and Chesterfield County Circuit Court. We are available 24/7 for consultations by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Your Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesterfield County
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 Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. These results include a not guilty verdict for a profane language over public airway charge and a dismissal for a purchase/possess alcohol charge at Chesterfield County General District Court. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 15 miles from Chesterfield County General District Court, with access via I-95 and Route 10. We serve as a firearm by felon defense lawyer Chesterfield County and a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Chesterfield County. Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm by Felon Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesterfield County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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
By appointment only.