Firearm by Felon Lawyer Prince George County, VA
You are a convicted felon in Prince George County, and law enforcement has charged you with possessing a firearm. The charge lands under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2—a Class 6 felony that carries serious prison time and a permanent criminal record. You may feel the odds are stacked against you. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our attorneys work to challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring decades of combined experience to firearm‑by‑felon defense in the Prince George County courts. To request a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
The Charge: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in Virginia
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The offense applies to all felonies, whether violent or non‑violent, though the penalty structure distinguishes between the two categories. A conviction can also trigger a parallel federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which carries its own severe sanctions. Defending against a state charge often means preventing it from becoming a federal case.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. If the prior felony was a violent felony listed in Va. Code § 17.1-805 and was committed within the preceding 10 years, a mandatory minimum two‑year sentence applies; if a violent prior and the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum rises to five years.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
The Prince George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases in the Prince George County General District Court for preliminary hearings and, if the charge proceeds, in the Prince George County Circuit Court for trial. Because a felony conviction carries a mandatory loss of firearm rights and potential incarceration, early legal intervention is critical.
Defense Strategies for a Firearm‑by‑Felon Charge in Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches each case by examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses that can lead to a reduction, dismissal, or acquittal. Defense strategies our attorneys may pursue include:
- Challenging the element of possession. The Commonwealth must prove that you knowingly and intentionally possessed the firearm. If the weapon was not found on your person, constructive possession may be at issue. Our attorneys scrutinize whether the prosecution can establish exclusive control over the location where the firearm was found.
- Examining the validity of the underlying felony. A conviction that has been vacated, set aside, pardoned, or subject to civil rights restoration may not qualify as a predicate felony. The firm’s Of Counsel review the underlying record to determine whether the Commonwealth can meet its burden.
- Investigating constitutional and procedural challenges. If the firearm was discovered during a traffic stop, a search of a residence, or another law enforcement encounter, our attorneys evaluate whether the search complied with the Fourth Amendment. A successful motion to suppress can result in dismissal of the charge.
- Negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. In appropriate cases, the firm works to secure an amendment to a lesser offense or a deferred disposition under the first‑offender statute. While no outcome is past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, the firm’s experience in Prince George County courts informs its negotiation approach.
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel—including attorneys with prior law enforcement backgrounds—bring a dual‑perspective that helps anticipate how the prosecution will build its case. Results may vary.
What to Expect in the Prince George County Courts
Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings take place at the Prince George County General District Court, 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875. If a firearm‑by‑felon charge is certified to the grand jury, the case moves to the Prince George County Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
The case typically begins with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. For a felony, the magistrate often sets a secured bond, which may require a bail bondsman. Our attorneys can argue for a reduction in bond or for release on personal recognizance where appropriate. The preliminary hearing in the General District Court must be held within a time period determined by Virginia’s speedy trial statutes—generally 21 to 60 days if the defendant remains in custody, though the timeline varies by court scheduling.
If the court finds probable cause at the preliminary hearing, the case is bound over to the grand jury, which typically sits every other month in Prince George County. After indictment, pretrial motions and discovery follow. Trial in Circuit Court may be scheduled several months later. Throughout this process, our attorneys keep clients informed and evaluate all opportunities to resolve the case before trial.
Prince George County courts are part of the Eleventh Judicial District. The court’s regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. The firm’s Richmond location—at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225—serves clients throughout Prince George County and the surrounding Hopewell area. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how the Commonwealth builds a firearm‑possession case and what it takes to challenge the evidence. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional insight to firearm‑related charges. Their backgrounds include former Virginia State Trooper service with extensive experience in criminal and firearms investigations. This combined knowledge allows the firm to identify procedural missteps, question the chain of custody for seized firearms, and examine whether law enforcement followed proper investigative protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be charged with “firearm by felon” in Prince George County?
It means the Commonwealth accuses you—a person previously convicted of any felony—of knowingly possessing a firearm, a Class 6 felony. The charge is based on Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. The prosecution must prove that you were previously convicted of a felony and that you knowingly and intentionally possessed the firearm. If the prior felony was violent, mandatory minimum prison terms apply. The case begins in the Prince George County General District Court and may be heard by a jury in Circuit Court. A conviction results in a permanent loss of firearm rights. For guidance about your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a felon ever legally possess a firearm in Virginia again?
Generally, no—but in limited circumstances firearm rights may be restored through a governor’s pardon or by using Virginia’s civil rights restoration process. The restoration of civil rights does not automatically restore firearm rights; a separate court petition is often required. Federal law independently prohibits firearm possession by convicted felons under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), so even a state restoration may not remove the federal disability unless specific conditions are met. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether any pathway exists based on the nature of the underlying conviction and the time that has elapsed. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Prince George County?
A defense lawyer examines the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses—challenging whether possession was knowing and intentional, whether the underlying felony is valid, and whether the search that produced the firearm was constitutional. The firm’s attorneys also review whether the firearm was actually “possessed” within the legal definition, whether the accused had constructive possession, and whether the Commonwealth can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence can lead to a dismissal. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a state and a federal firearm‑by‑felon charge?
A state charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is prosecuted in the Prince George County courts, while a federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. A federal conviction carries longer potential sentences and, in the federal system, there is no parole. Federal prosecutors often become involved when the firearm traveled across state lines, when federal law enforcement conducted the investigation, or when the case is part of a larger criminal enterprise. If you face a potential federal charge, early involvement of defense counsel is especially important. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for firearm possession as a felon in Prince George County?
Remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney—do not answer questions or consent to any search. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court. Do not discuss the facts of the case with cellmates, family members, or on recorded jail calls. As soon as possible, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your defense. The firm’s attorneys can advise you on bond options, preserve evidence, and begin preparing your case before the preliminary hearing. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a firearm‑by‑felon lawyer cost in Prince George County?
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether the charge is state or federal, and the amount of investigation and motion practice required. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and accepts major credit cards. The firm recommends a consultation to understand your specific situation and provide a fee estimate. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Get Legal Representation in Prince George County
A firearm‑by‑felon conviction can change your life. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in the Prince George County General District Court and Circuit Court, working to protect their rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible under the law. The firm’s Richmond location serves Prince George, Hopewell, and all surrounding communities.
Call (888) 437-7747 or schedule a consultation online. The firm’s phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Internal‑link resources:
Criminal lawyer in Prince William County
Criminal lawyer in Fairfax County
Criminal lawyer in Richmond, VA
Criminal lawyer in Chesterfield County
Criminal lawyer in Hanover County
Primary‑source authority:
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 — Possession of firearm by convicted felon
Prince George County General District and Circuit Court
Virginia Court System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.