In Rappahannock County, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results in Rappahannock County with a 67% favorable outcome rate. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Rappahannock County can challenge the legality of the search or the underlying predicate felony.
What Is a Firearm by Felon Charge in Rappahannock County?
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it a Class 6 felony for any person previously convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. The law applies to any firearm, including antique or black powder weapons. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison with no possibility of suspension. The charge is prosecuted by the Rappahannock County Commonwealth’s Attorney at the Rappahannock County General District Court for preliminary hearings and at the Rappahannock County Circuit Court for felony trials. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Rappahannock County must examine the predicate felony conviction and the circumstances of the alleged possession.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rappahannock County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources for Rappahannock County Firearm by Felon Cases
Two essential government resources for your case: the Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) defines the firearm by felon statute, and the Rappahannock County General District Court website provides local court procedures, filing information, and contact details.
Insider Procedural Edge: Rappahannock County Firearm by Felon Defense
Rappahannock County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony firearm by felon charges. The Commonwealth must show probable cause that you possessed a firearm and had a prior felony conviction. The Circuit Court handles the felony jury trial. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Rappahannock County knows that the key defense often lies in challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm.
- Step 1: Initial Appearance. You appear before the magistrate at the Rappahannock County General District Court. Bond is set. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Rappahannock County should be present.
- Step 2: Preliminary Hearing. Within 21-60 days, the GDC holds a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. Your lawyer can cross-examine the arresting officer.
- Step 3: Indictment. If probable cause is found, the case moves to the Rappahannock County Circuit Court grand jury for indictment.
- Step 4: Arraignment. You enter a plea in Circuit Court. Your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence.
- Step 5: Discovery and Motions. Your lawyer reviews police reports, body camera footage, and any search warrant affidavits.
- Step 6: Trial or Plea. The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or a negotiated plea. The mandatory minimum 5-year sentence applies unless the charge is reduced.
In Rappahannock County, a firearm by felon conviction carries a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence with no possibility of suspension.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years; up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; difficulty finding employment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Rappahannock County Firearm by Felon Case?
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. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Case Results in Rappahannock County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented case results in Rappahannock County: 2 reduced or amended, representing a 67% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rappahannock County Legal Services
Distance: Our Fairfax Location serves clients at Rappahannock County courts (250 Gay Street, Suite 1, Washington, VA 22747), accessible via Route 211, Route 522, and Route 29.
Near-Me: Firearm by felon lawyer near Rappahannock County or near the Rappahannock County Courthouse in Washington, VA.
Neighborhoods Served: Washington, Sperryville, Flint Hill.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
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 Rappahannock County
Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced in Rappahannock County?
Yes. A skilled Firearm by Felon Lawyer Rappahannock County can negotiate a plea to a lesser charge such as reckless handling of a firearm, which avoids the mandatory minimum 5-year sentence. The Commonwealth may agree if the underlying felony is old or non-violent.
What is the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon in Rappahannock County?
5 years. Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 imposes a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence with no possibility of suspension. This applies regardless of the circumstances of the possession. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Rappahannock County can challenge the charge to avoid this sentence.
Can I get my firearm rights restored after a felony conviction in Rappahannock County?
It depends. Virginia law allows firearm rights restoration through a Circuit Court petition or a governor’s pardon. The process requires showing good cause and no danger to the community. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Rappahannock County can guide you through this process.
What defenses are available for a firearm by felon charge in Rappahannock County?
Several defenses exist: the firearm was not knowingly possessed; the search was illegal; the predicate felony conviction is invalid; or the firearm was an antique or inoperable. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Rappahannock County will examine all evidence for procedural errors.
How long does a firearm by felon case take in Rappahannock County?
Typically 3-9 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. If the case moves to Circuit Court, a jury trial may take 3-9 months. Speedy trial rights require trial within 9 months if incarcerated.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer in Rappahannock County
- Reckless Driving Lawyer in Rappahannock County
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.