Firearm by Felon Lawyer Virginia Beach — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Virginia Beach, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Virginia Beach can build your defense.
Statutory Definition of Firearm by Felon in Virginia Beach
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. This is a Class 6 felony. The statute applies to convictions from any jurisdiction, including federal and military courts. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Virginia Beach understands the specific elements the prosecution must prove.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
External Citation Links
Insider Procedural Edge
Virginia Beach General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for this felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause that you knowingly possessed a firearm after a felony conviction. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Virginia Beach can challenge the legality of the search that found the weapon.
- Step 1: Do not speak to police without your lawyer present.
- Step 2: Your lawyer will file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.
- Step 3: The court will hold a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause.
- Step 4: If bound over, your case moves to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial.
- Step 5: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a plea or dismissal.
- Step 6: If no agreement, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalty Table
In Virginia Beach, a firearm by felon charge carries a penalty range of 1-5 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of firearm rights; permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how to build a strong defense against a firearm by felon charge in Virginia Beach.
Named Attorney Byline
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Firearm by Felon Lawyer near Virginia Beach.
We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
FAQ Block
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). 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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 (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
Internal Links
Freshness Block
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.