A firearm by felon charge in Fairfax County is 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 1,741 documented results in Fairfax County across all criminal matters.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, it is unlawful for any person who has been 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 and applies to any individual with a prior felony conviction, regardless of whether the conviction was in Virginia or another jurisdiction. A violation of this statute is a Class 6 felony, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison. The law also extends to persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew you were a convicted felon and that you knowingly possessed a firearm. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 information on Fairfax County court procedures, visit Fairfax County General District Court (vacourts.gov).
In Fairfax County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum 2-year sentence for firearm by felon charges, especially when the underlying felony involved violence or drugs. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Fairfax County is particularly aggressive in these cases, often opposing any reduction or amendment of the charge.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any receipts or records related to the firearm.
- Contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Fairfax County immediately.
- Attend all court hearings, including the preliminary hearing at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
- If your case is dismissed or you are acquitted, consider expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
In Fairfax County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison and a maximum of 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (First Offense) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years; up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential loss of professional license | Permanent criminal record; federal firearm prohibition |
| Firearm by Felon (Subsequent Offense) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years; up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential loss of professional license | Permanent criminal record; federal firearm prohibition |
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 — a favorable-outcome rate of 96%. Results may vary. These numbers represent firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 1.5 miles from Fairfax County General District Court, with access via I-495 and Route 50. We are a firearm by felon lawyer near Fairfax County. Serving 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?
Yes. 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. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Fairfax County, Virginia?
It depends. 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. 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax 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 — Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax County Circuit Court (felony) (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
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 and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) 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.
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Last verified: April 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Virginia law and Fairfax County court procedures.