Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas Park, VA

A charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon carries serious consequences in Virginia. In Manassas Park, cases are heard at the Manassas Park General District Court for preliminary matters and the Manassas Park Circuit Court for felony trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on criminal defense, including firearm‑by‑felon charges under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Thirty‑first Judicial District, including the court at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. To request a consultation about your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Firearm by Felon Charges Mean in Manassas Park

Under Virginia law, it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The offense is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison or, at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. When the prior felony was a violent felony enumerated in Va. Code § 17.1‑805 and was committed within the preceding ten years, a mandatory minimum sentence of two years applies. If the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum increases to five years.

In Manassas Park, a firearm‑by‑felon charge proceeds through two courts. The Manassas Park General District Court handles the initial arraignment, bail determination, and preliminary hearing. If the district court finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Manassas Park Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas Park prosecutes the case, and because the charge is a felony, it cannot be resolved in the General District Court without a preliminary hearing or waiver. Our Fairfax Location serves clients throughout Manassas Park and the surrounding area, including Prince William County and the independent cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

The stakes are high: a conviction not only carries a prison sentence but also permanently affects employment, housing, and firearm rights. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. Experienced defense counsel can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charge, whether constitutional protections were observed, and whether a favorable resolution is possible through pretrial motions or negotiations with the prosecutor’s office. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, applies extensive criminal‑trial experience to every firearm‑by‑felon defense. Together with his Of Counsel team, he analyzes the Commonwealth’s evidence—including the circumstances of the stop, the search that revealed the firearm, and the proof that the defendant knew the item was a firearm. The defense may challenge whether the defendant actually possessed the firearm, whether any lawful exception applied, or whether the predicate felony conviction qualifies for enhancement under the mandatory‑minimum provisions.

Preparation includes reviewing police reports, body‑camera footage, and forensic records. If the evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights, a motion to suppress may be filed. In Circuit Court, the firm presents a thorough defense, cross‑examines witnesses, and, where appropriate, negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge amendment or a sentencing recommendation that avoids the mandatory minimum. Because every case depends on its own facts, the timeline and the strategy are tailored to the individual client’s circumstances.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced in Virginia since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings insight into how the prosecution builds its case. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he appears in courts across the Commonwealth, including Manassas Park.

Mr. Sris is joined by Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands police procedures and evidence handling firsthand. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997, including three reported outcomes in Manassas Park matters—all favorable to the client. Results may vary. For a consultation, reach our Fairfax Location at (888) 437‑7747 or call the local number (703) 636‑5417.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Manassas Park, Virginia?

A firearm‑by‑felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 is a Class 6 felony with a sentence of one to five years in prison, or up to twelve months in jail if the jury chooses that alternative. A mandatory minimum sentence applies when the prior felony was violent and recent: two years if the predicate felony occurred within ten years, and five years if the firearm was loaded. The charge is heard in Manassas Park Circuit Court after a preliminary finding in the General District Court. Because jail or prison time is possible, securing experienced representation early is important.

Can a firearm‑by‑felon charge be reduced or dismissed in Manassas Park?

A firearm‑by‑felon charge may be challenged on several grounds, including lack of evidence that the defendant knowingly possessed a firearm, Fourth Amendment violations during the search, or defects in the proof of the predicate felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney retains discretion to amend or dismiss the charge if the evidence does not support conviction. However, because Virginia prohibits judicial participation in plea negotiations, any agreed resolution must be presented to the judge for acceptance. An attorney who understands both the statutory framework and local court practices can assess the trusted path forward.

How does bail work for a firearm‑by‑felon arrest in Manassas Park?

After arrest, a magistrate sets bond based on factors such as the seriousness of the charge, ties to the community, and flight risk. For felony firearm charges, a secured bond is often required, meaning the defendant must post cash or use a bail bondsman, who typically charges a percentage of the bond amount. The bond decision can be reviewed by a judge at the next business day in Manassas Park General District Court. An attorney can argue for a lower bond or personal recognizance when circumstances warrant.

Do I need a lawyer for a firearm‑by‑felon charge in Manassas Park?

While you have the right to represent yourself, a firearm‑by‑felon charge is a serious felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence in many cases and can affect your freedom and future. A lawyer can identify viable defenses, negotiate with the prosecution, and protect your rights during every stage of the proceeding—from the preliminary hearing in the General District Court through a jury trial in Circuit Court. Given the complexity of Virginia’s sentencing laws and the mandatory minimum provisions, the guidance of an experienced attorney is crucial.

What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court in Manassas Park?

The Manassas Park General District Court handles the initial appearance, bail decisions, and preliminary hearings for felony charges; it cannot conduct a felony trial. If the judge finds probable cause, the case moves to the Manassas Park Circuit Court, where the defendant is arraigned, pretrial motions are argued, and a jury or bench trial occurs. A defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court, and all sentencing takes place there.

What should I do if I am under investigation for firearm possession as a felon?

If you believe an investigation is active, refrain from speaking with law enforcement and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Any statement you make can be used against you. Preserve any documents or evidence that might be helpful. Prompt legal advice can help you navigate the investigation, avoid self‑incrimination, and, where possible, work toward a resolution before charges are filed.

For more information about Virginia criminal statutes, see Virginia Code Title 18.2. Court information is available through the Virginia Judicial System website. For firearm‑by‑felon specifics, consult Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. by appointment only. Reach our Fairfax Location at (888) 437‑7747. Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.