Gun Crime Lawyer Falls Church, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Falls Church, a gun crime under Va. Code § 18.2-308 carries up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor or 1-10 years for a Class 5 felony; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church. A Gun Crime Lawyer Falls Church provides case-specific defense strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law defines a gun crime broadly under Va. Code § 18.2-308, which prohibits carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. A conviction can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) or a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison) for repeat offenses or certain firearm violations. A firearms offense defense lawyer Falls Church understands these classifications and their direct impact on your case.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-308 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Falls Church General District Court website.
- Step 1: Contact a gun charge defense lawyer Falls Church immediately after arrest to preserve your rights.
- Step 2: Attend your initial appearance at Falls Church General District Court for bond determination.
- Step 3: Your attorney files a motion to suppress evidence if the search was unlawful.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or diversion program.
- Step 5: Prepare for trial if no acceptable plea offer is made.
- Step 6: Present your defense at trial or accept a plea agreement.
In Falls Church, a gun crime carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years prison).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (First Offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (Second Offense) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
In Falls Church, we have 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location is accessible from Falls Church courts via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495.
Gun crime lawyer near Falls Church — serving Falls Church, West Falls Church, and surrounding neighborhoods.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
What is the penalty for a gun crime in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Cases are heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046).
Can a gun charge be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court.
How does bail work for a gun charge in Falls Church?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Do I need a gun crime lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, gun charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for a gun charge in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. See also our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer page. For related services, see our DUI lawyer in Falls Church page.