A gun crime charge in Hanover County, Virginia, is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-279 et seq., carrying penalties from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Gun Crime Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Virginia law prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or discharge of firearms under Va. Code § 18.2-279 et seq. This includes offenses such as brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 18.2-308.2). Penalties range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison). A Gun Crime Lawyer Hanover County can help you handle these charges at Hanover County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Hanover County Circuit Court (felony). 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 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s firearms statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Virginia General Assembly official site and Hanover County General District Court — Virginia Courts official site.
In Hanover County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for gun crimes, especially when a firearm is involved in a violent offense. We have observed that judges in the Fifteenth Judicial District are particularly strict on repeat offenders.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer Hanover County immediately after arrest.
- Preserve any evidence related to the firearm, including receipts or registration.
- Attend all court hearings at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069).
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging the legality of the search or negotiating a plea.
- If your case goes to trial, prepare for Hanover County Circuit Court, where felony jury trials are held.
In Hanover County, gun crime charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony, depending on the specific offense and the defendant’s criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandishing a Firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (§ 18.2-308) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession of Firearm by Felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| Discharge of Firearm in Public (§ 18.2-279) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, mandatory minimum sentence |
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed or not guilty — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069), with access via I-95 and I-295. We are a gun charge defense lawyer Hanover County residents trust. Serving the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crime Charges in Hanover County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, 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 Hanover County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Hanover County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against a guide to computer financial crimes charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for a guide to computer financial crimes in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Virginia criminal statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing a guide to computer financial crimes charges in Virginia?
If facing a guide to computer financial crimes 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against attempt to commit a crime charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for attempt to commit a crime 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 § 18.2-26 to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County pages. For related practice areas, see Business Formation Lawyer Hanover County and Non Compete Lawyer Hanover County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site