In Arlington County, Virginia, gun crimes are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-308 (possession of a firearm by a convicted felon) and related statutes, carrying penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a Class 6 felony (1-5 years in prison). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Gun Crime Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Understanding Gun Crime Laws in Arlington County
Virginia law prohibits the possession, carrying, or use of firearms under specific circumstances. Va. Code § 18.2-308 makes it a felony for a convicted felon to possess a firearm, while § 18.2-308.2 prohibits carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Additional charges include brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282) and discharging a firearm in public (§ 18.2-280). These offenses are prosecuted in Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanors) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felonies).
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County 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 gun crime case in Arlington County.
Official Legal References
What to Expect in Arlington County Court
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for gun-related offenses, especially when a firearm is involved in a violent crime. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County has a reputation for aggressive prosecution of firearm violations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer in Arlington County immediately after arrest.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the arrest.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances to avoid additional charges.
- Review your defense strategy with your lawyer before any hearings.
In Arlington County, Virginia, gun crimes carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony, depending on the specific offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Felon (§ 18.2-308) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of concealed carry permit | Permanent criminal record |
| Brandishing a Firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record |
| Discharging Firearm in Public (§ 18.2-280) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include dismissals, nolle prosequi, and amendments to lesser charges across various criminal matters.
Our Location in Arlington County
Our location in Arlington, VA is approximately 0.5 miles from Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), with access via I-395 and Route 50. We serve as a gun crime lawyer near Arlington County, Virginia. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crimes in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status.
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 Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington 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 — Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC.
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-29T10:00:00Z