In Suffolk, Virginia, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in Suffolk: 1 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Suffolk, Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 prohibits any person convicted of a felony from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting a firearm. This law applies to anyone with a prior felony conviction, regardless of whether the conviction was in Virginia or another jurisdiction. A violation is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years for a second or subsequent offense. The statute also covers certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions under federal law. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Suffolk 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 Virginia’s sentencing guidelines, see Suffolk General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Suffolk General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Suffolk is particularly aggressive in cases involving prior violent felony convictions.
- 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 Suffolk immediately for a consultation.
- Review the indictment and police reports for procedural errors.
- Attend all court hearings at Suffolk General District Court or Suffolk Circuit Court.
- Explore defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
In Suffolk, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a penalty range of 1 to 5 years in prison for a first offense, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years for a second or subsequent offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (first offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; employment and housing restrictions |
| Firearm by Felon (second or subsequent offense) | Class 6 Felony | 2-5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; employment and housing restrictions |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” 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 firearm by felon cases in Suffolk and throughout Virginia, providing experienced representation for clients facing serious felony charges.
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 2 documented results in Suffolk: 1 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Suffolk General District Court, with access via Route 58, Route 460, and I-664. We serve as a Firearm by Felon Lawyer near Suffolk. Serving the communities of Suffolk, Harbour View, and North Suffolk. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Suffolk, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Suffolk 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 Suffolk General District Court (150 North Main Street, Suite 2G, Suffolk, VA 23434).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Suffolk, 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 Suffolk Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Suffolk, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Suffolk. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Suffolk General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Suffolk (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 Suffolk General District Court 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.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Suffolk?
Suffolk General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Suffolk 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.
Learn more about our services: Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia. For related localities, see Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County. For other practice areas in Suffolk, see Operating Agreement Lawyer Suffolk and Business Succession Lawyer Suffolk.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-28.