Firearm by felon charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison with a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, including handling firearm by felon cases at Virginia Beach General District Court and Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm in Virginia. This statute applies to all convicted felons, regardless of the nature of the prior offense. A violation is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, with a maximum of 5 years. The law also applies to individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses. The prohibition extends to any firearm, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The prosecution must prove that the defendant knew they were a convicted felon and that they knowingly possessed the firearm. Defenses may include challenging the legality of the search, the validity of the prior conviction, or the lack of knowledge of the firearm’s presence. The case is typically heard in Virginia Beach General District Court for preliminary hearings and in Virginia Beach Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach court information, visit: Virginia Beach General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Virginia Beach General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum 2-year sentence for firearm by felon charges. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia Beach is particularly aggressive in cases involving prior violent felony convictions.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the alleged firearm.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Attend all court hearings at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
- Consider negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or alternative disposition.
In Virginia Beach, firearm by felon charges under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carry a mandatory minimum 2-year prison sentence and a maximum of 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (First Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; difficulty with employment and housing |
| Firearm by Felon (Subsequent Offense) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights; potential driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; difficulty with employment and housing |
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 handled numerous criminal defense cases in Virginia Beach, including firearm by felon charges, with a focus on achieving favorable outcome for each client.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with documented case results across all practice areas. The firm has achieved favorable outcomes in all reported instances, including dismissals, reductions, and other favorable dispositions. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, VA is approximately 90 miles from Virginia Beach General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve as a firearm by felon defense lawyer near Virginia Beach. Serving the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456).
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, but only for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach (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 Virginia Beach 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.
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach 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.
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
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.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2.
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.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
For more information, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia page. You may also be interested in Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County or Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County. For related practice areas, see LLC Lawyer Virginia Beach or Defamation Lawyer Virginia Beach.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-28.