A firearm by felon charge in Falls Church, Virginia, is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, carrying a mandatory minimum 2-year prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 20 documented results in Falls Church City, including 7 dismissals and 13 reductions.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia
Under Virginia law, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. This prohibition applies to any firearm, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. A violation is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years for certain prior convictions. The law also applies to persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. The Falls Church General District Court handles the preliminary hearing, and the Falls Church Circuit Court handles the felony trial if the case proceeds.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church 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 to every case.
For the full text of the statute, visit Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on the Falls Church General District Court, visit Falls Church General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Falls Church General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church is particularly aggressive in cases involving prior violent felony convictions. Early intervention is critical to preserve your rights.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the alleged firearm.
- Contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Falls Church immediately.
- Attend all court hearings at Falls Church General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to identify potential defenses under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2.
In Falls Church, Virginia, 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 convictions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (first offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years for certain prior convictions) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; impact on employment, housing, and professional licenses |
| Firearm by Felon (subsequent offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; impact on employment, housing, and professional licenses |
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 20 documented case results in Falls Church City: 7 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled these cases with a focus on challenging evidence and negotiating favorable outcomes.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 20 documented results in Falls Church City: 7 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 3 miles from Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046), with access via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495.
Firearm by Felon lawyer near Falls Church.
Serving the communities of Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Falls Church
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church 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 Falls Church (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 Falls Church General District Court (misdemeanor) and Falls Church 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 — Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Falls Church Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Falls Church General District Court (misdemeanor) and Falls Church Circuit Court (felony) (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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. Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) 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.
Learn more about criminal defense in Virginia: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Related pages: Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer in Falls Church | Divorce Lawyer in Falls Church.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-28.