Firearm by Felon Lawyer Goochland County, VA
Facing a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Goochland County, Virginia, can upend your life. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, a convicted felon who knowingly possesses a firearm commits a Class 6 felony. A conviction may bring a prison sentence, a permanent criminal record, and a lifetime loss of firearm rights. Goochland County Circuit Court hears all felony cases, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes with the full resources of the state. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys provide focused representation for firearm‑by‑felon charges. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom, and the firm’s Of Counsel include a former Virginia State Trooper who brings practical insight into police procedures and firearms investigations. The firm has served clients across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York since 1997. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 for a consultation.
What Firearm‑by‑Felon Charges Mean in Goochland County
A firearm‑by‑felon charge in Goochland County means the Commonwealth alleges you possessed a firearm after a felony conviction. Under Virginia law, the offense is a Class 6 felony regardless of the firearm type or whether it was loaded. The case is prosecuted in Goochland County Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over all felony trials. A conviction can lead to incarceration from one to five years—or up to twelve months in jail at the jury’s discretion—plus fines and the loss of important civil rights.
A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, or up to twelve months in jail at the discretion of the jury. Mandatory minimum sentencing applies if the prior felony was a violent offense under § 17.1‑805.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Goochland County’s Circuit Court, located at 2938 River Road West, Building G, Goochland, VA 23063, handles felony proceedings from arraignment through trial. Cases begin with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate; a preliminary hearing may be held in the General District Court before the matter is certified to the Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Goochland County prosecutes the case. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at the Goochland County courts and are familiar with the local judges, procedural expectations, and the way firearm offenses are charged and resolved in this jurisdiction.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Firearm‑by‑Felon Cases
Every firearm‑by‑felon case begins with a thorough examination of the evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review whether the traffic stop, search, or seizure complied with Fourth Amendment standards, whether the item allegedly possessed meets the legal definition of a “firearm,” and whether the Commonwealth can prove the defendant knew of the firearm’s presence. The firm’s Of Counsel include a former Virginia State Trooper who brings a law‑enforcement perspective to the evaluation of police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
Once the factual and legal issues are identified, the firm engages with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to pursue a favorable resolution. In many cases, a well‑prepared defense can lead to a reduced charge or a dismissal. If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are prepared to cross‑examine witnesses, challenge the chain of custody, and present the defendant’s version of events in a clear and compelling manner. The firm does not guarantee any outcome, but it works diligently to protect the client’s rights at every stage.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background gives him a distinctive understanding of how prosecutors build and try cases. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys further strengthen the defense team. One Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper who spent fifteen years investigating criminal and traffic matters across the Commonwealth. That experience is particularly valuable in firearm‑by‑felon cases, where the legality of a search, the handling of evidence, and the interpretation of police reports often decide the outcome. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime of firearm by felon in Virginia?
Firearm by felon, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, makes it illegal for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly possess a firearm. The offense is a Class 6 felony. A conviction can result in a prison term, a criminal record, and the permanent revocation of the right to own a gun. The statute applies even if the firearm was not loaded or was possessed only briefly. The prior felony may be from any jurisdiction, not just Virginia.
What are the penalties for firearm by felon in Goochland County?
A conviction for firearm by felon in Goochland County carries a sentence of one to five years in prison, or up to twelve months in jail if the jury so decides. If the prior felony was a violent offense listed in Va. Code § 17.1‑805, a two‑year mandatory minimum term may apply, rising to five years if the firearm was loaded. Fines can reach $2,500, and the defendant loses the right to vote, serve on a jury, and possess firearms. Because the case is heard in Goochland County Circuit Court, the defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial.
Can a firearm‑by‑felon charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, a firearm‑by‑felon charge can be reduced or dismissed through legal challenges, negotiation with the prosecutor, or a successful trial defense. Common grounds for a reduction include a lack of evidence that the defendant actually knew about the firearm, a violation of search‑and‑seizure rules, or proof that the item was not a “firearm” under the statute. The firm has obtained reduced outcomes for clients facing weapons charges in Goochland County. Results may vary. and no attorney can promise a particular result.
What should I do if I am arrested for firearm by felon in Goochland County?
If you are arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with law enforcement or anyone else until you have legal counsel. The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more options there are to protect your rights. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation about your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm‑by‑felon case in Goochland County?
Because a firearm‑by‑felon charge is a felony that can lead to a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record, retaining an experienced defense attorney is critical. The Commonwealth’s Attorney has considerable experience trying felony cases in Goochland County Circuit Court. An attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify defenses, negotiate with the prosecution, and, if necessary, take the case to trial. Facing this charge without representation puts your liberty and future at unnecessary risk.
How does the court process work for a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Goochland County?
After an arrest, the defendant appears before a magistrate for an initial bail determination, then the case moves to Goochland County General District Court for a preliminary hearing if the charge is a felony. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to Goochland County Circuit Court, where the defendant is arraigned and enters a plea. Pretrial motions and discovery follow, and if no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. The circuit court docket is managed by the clerk’s office, and timelines depend on the court’s calendar. The firm’s attorneys can explain each step and attend every hearing with you.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.