In Arlington County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries up to 5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County courts. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Arlington County builds your defense strategy.
Virginia Firearm by Felon Statute
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. This applies to all felonies, including non-violent offenses. A conviction under this statute is a Class 6 felony, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years if the underlying felony was a violent crime as defined by Virginia law. The statute covers actual possession, constructive possession, and joint possession. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Arlington County can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge.
Official Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Arlington County General District Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge for Arlington County
Arlington County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony firearm charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases aggressively. Your first appearance occurs within 72 hours of arrest.
- Step 1: Contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Arlington County immediately after arrest.
- Step 2: Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Step 3: Gather documentation of your felony conviction date and any restoration of rights.
- Step 4: File a motion for bond in Arlington County GDC.
- Step 5: Prepare for preliminary hearing within 21-60 days.
- Step 6: Evaluate defense strategies including lack of knowledge or statutory exceptions.
In Arlington County, firearm by felon carries a Class 6 felony penalty with a mandatory minimum of 5 years for violent felony predicates.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (non-violent predicate) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Permanent firearm prohibition; federal charges possible |
| Firearm by Felon (violent predicate) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Federal prosecution risk; immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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
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
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our felon with firearm defense lawyer Arlington County team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case. Kristen Fisher brings her experience as a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney to every firearm defense case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating the firm’s deep legislative knowledge.
Arlington County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Find a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Arlington County near you. We are located at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for firearm by felon in Arlington County?
Yes. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. If the underlying felony was violent, a mandatory minimum of 5 years applies. Fines up to $2,500 are also possible.
Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced in Arlington County?
It depends. Reduction to a misdemeanor is possible through plea negotiations or if the Commonwealth cannot prove knowing possession. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Arlington County can negotiate with the prosecutor.
How long does a firearm by felon case take in Arlington County?
It depends. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days of arrest. If the case moves to Circuit Court, trial typically happens within 3-9 months. Speedy trial rights apply.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Arlington County?
Yes. A felony conviction carries permanent consequences including loss of firearm rights, employment barriers, and potential federal charges. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Arlington County protects your rights.
What defenses exist for firearm by felon in Arlington County?
Yes. Defenses include lack of knowing possession, statutory exceptions for antique firearms, restoration of firearm rights, and unconstitutional search or seizure. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Arlington County evaluates all options.
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.