In Caroline County, 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 5 documented results in Caroline County: 5 dismissed/not guilty. Former prosecutors on staff provide strong defense.
Understanding Firearm by Felon Charges in Caroline County
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 is a Class 6 felony in Virginia. The statute applies to any firearm, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years if the person has a prior conviction for a violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805.
Last verified: April 2026 | Caroline County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Firearm by Felon Cases
- Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Caroline County General District Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge for Firearm by Felon Defense in Caroline County
Caroline County General District Court handles all felony preliminary hearings for firearm by felon charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Caroline County prosecutes these cases. Your case will proceed to Caroline County Circuit Court for trial if probable cause is found.
Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. First offender programs may be available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for certain non-violent offenders.
- Contact a firearm by felon lawyer immediately after arrest — do not speak to law enforcement without counsel.
- Your attorney will request a copy of the police report and any search warrant affidavits from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- File a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence at the preliminary hearing in General District Court.
- If probable cause is found, your case moves to Caroline County Circuit Court for arraignment and trial.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal based on factual or legal weaknesses.
- If no acceptable plea offer, proceed to jury trial in Circuit Court where the Commonwealth must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In Caroline County, a firearm by felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a Class 6 felony penalty with 1-5 years incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (no prior violent felony) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; federal prohibition |
| Firearm by Felon (prior violent felony) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; federal prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Firearm by Felon Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This insider perspective allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and develop strong defense strategies for firearm by felon charges in Caroline County.
Our team also includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service, and Matthew Greene, who brings 30+ years of criminal defense experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Case Results in Caroline County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Caroline County: 5 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near Caroline County
Our Fairfax Location serves clients at Caroline County courts (111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427). We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 207.
We serve Bowling Green and Carmel Church communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm by Felon Charges in Caroline County
Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced in Caroline County?
Yes. Under certain circumstances, a firearm by felon charge can be reduced through plea negotiations if the evidence is weak or if the defendant qualifies for a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. The prosecutor may agree to a reduction to a misdemeanor in exchange for a guilty plea.
What is the penalty for a firearm by felon in Caroline County?
A firearm by felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison. If the defendant has a prior violent felony conviction, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. Fines up to $2,500 also apply.
Do I need a firearm by felon defense lawyer in Caroline County?
Yes. Firearm by felon charges in Caroline County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Caroline County General District Court (111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427). A conviction carries mandatory prison time and a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Can a firearm by felon charge be expunged in Caroline County?
Yes, if the charge results in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, you can petition Caroline County Circuit Court for expungement. Most convictions cannot be expunged in Virginia.
How does bail work for a firearm by felon charge in Caroline County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. For firearm by felon charges, secured bond is typical. Bond can be appealed to Caroline County General District Court. Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.