Firearm by Felon Lawyer Prince William County, VA

If you or someone you know is facing a charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Prince William County, the stakes are high. A conviction can lead to a prison sentence, the loss of firearm rights, and a permanent felony record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases actively, often seeking mandatory minimum sentences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to represent individuals charged with weapon offenses throughout Prince William County, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a confidential consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Firearm by Felon Means in Prince William County

Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it a Class 6 felony for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess, transport, or carry a firearm. The offense is prosecuted in Prince William County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia. The base penalty for a Class 6 felony is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year nor more than five years, or confinement in jail for not more than twelve months, at the discretion of the jury or court. However, if the prior felony conviction was for a violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805 and occurred within the preceding ten years, a mandatory minimum term of two years applies. If the firearm was loaded at the time of the offense, the mandatory minimum rises to five years. These mandatory minimum provisions remove a judge’s discretion to suspend or reduce the sentence below the statutory floor.

Prince William County is part of Virginia’s Thirty-first Judicial District. The Prince William County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Che C. Rogers. Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM. Felony firearm cases begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court; if probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial and possible jury sentencing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office typically reviews these cases for aggravating factors, such as whether the firearm was brandished or used in connection with another offense, which can influence the ultimate charge and sentencing exposure. Early legal engagement is critical because the decisions made before the preliminary hearing—including bond arguments, evidentiary challenges, and negotiations with the prosecutor—can shape the entire trajectory of the case.

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

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every element of the prosecution’s case to identify procedural and factual defenses. In a firearm-by-felon case, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had a prior felony conviction and that he knowingly and intentionally possessed a firearm. Defense strategies may include challenging the legality of a search that led to the discovery of the weapon, contesting whether the item meets the statutory definition of a firearm, or raising the defense that the defendant did not have knowledge of the weapon’s presence. The firm also investigates whether the prior felony conviction truly qualifies under the statutory scheme and whether the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions are triggered.

The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with fifteen years of law enforcement service, which provides a practical understanding of how law enforcement officers conduct searches, interrogations, and report writing. This background helps the firm identify weaknesses in the evidence, such as a missing Miranda warning or a warrant that overreached its scope. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, oversees each case and brings the perspective of how the Commonwealth’s Attorney will evaluate and present the charges. Throughout the process, the firm works to achieve the most favorable outcome possible—whether through a motion to suppress evidence, negotiation for an amendment to a lesser offense, or, if necessary, a vigorous trial defense in Circuit Court.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal law since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he understands both the prosecution and defense sides of firearm cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he limits his caseload to ensure individual case review to each matter.

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with extensive law enforcement experience. This combination of prosecutorial insight and firsthand police-work knowledge gives the firm a unique ability to identify errors in the government’s case, negotiate from a position of strength, and, when trial is necessary, present a well-prepared defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have represented clients in criminal matters across Prince William County for decades. The firm has achieved favorable outcomes for many individuals, including numerous dismissals and charge reductions. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?

An attorney can challenge the search that led to the seizure of the firearm, question whether the defendant knowingly possessed the weapon, and verify whether the prior felony conviction qualifies under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. Additional defenses may involve demonstrating that the object was not a functional firearm, that the defendant lacked knowledge of the weapon’s presence, or that the Commonwealth cannot prove the prior conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, a negotiated resolution to an offense that does not carry mandatory minimum sentencing may be achievable. Early evaluation of the evidence is essential to developing a strong $1.

What should I do if I am facing firearm by felon charges in Prince William County?

Contact an experienced criminal lawyer immediately and avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney. Preserve any evidence that may support your defense, such as photographs, videos, or witness contact information. The decisions made now—especially regarding bond and the preliminary hearing—can have lasting consequences. An attorney can evaluate whether your rights were violated during the investigation and can begin building a strategy to protect your interests in Prince William County General District Court and, if necessary, Circuit Court.

What are the possible penalties for a firearm by felon conviction?

A conviction under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of one to five years, or up to twelve months in jail, in the discretion of the jury or court. A mandatory minimum of two years applies if the defendant has a prior violent felony conviction within the previous ten years. If the firearm was loaded, a mandatory minimum of five years applies. In addition to incarceration, a felony conviction results in the permanent loss of firearm rights and may affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.

Can firearm by felon charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, it is possible for firearm by felon charges to be reduced or dismissed, depending on the specific facts and the strength of the evidence. A reduction may occur if the prosecution agrees to amend the charge to a lesser offense that does not carry mandatory minimum sentencing. Dismissals can result from successful motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or from a finding that the Commonwealth cannot prove an essential element of the crime. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on a careful analysis of the facts and applicable law.

Why is local court knowledge important for a Prince William County firearm case?

The Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court have procedures, calendar practices, and prosecutorial approaches that differ from those of neighboring jurisdictions. Understanding how the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office screens these cases, what arguments a judge is likely to find persuasive at a preliminary hearing, and when to set the case for trial can influence the outcome. Attorneys regularly appearing in the Thirty-first Judicial District are familiar with these local dynamics, which can be a significant advantage in building a defense.

Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with firearm possession as a felon?

An attorney is not legally required, but representing yourself in a felony case with mandatory minimum sentencing is extremely risky. The rules of evidence, procedural requirements, and sentencing laws in Virginia are complex. A conviction carries the potential for years in prison and the permanent loss of your right to own a firearm. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify legal issues you may overlook, challenge the evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor to seek the most favorable resolution possible under the circumstances.

Other Criminal Defense Resources: Visit our pages for Fairfax County Criminal Defense, Stafford County Criminal Defense, Fauquier County Criminal Defense, Loudoun County Criminal Defense, and Arlington County Criminal Defense.

For more information about Virginia firearm statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. For the Prince William County court, visit the Prince William County General District Court website. Learn about the Prince William County Circuit Court.

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