Gun Crime Lawyer Arlington County, VA
Gun crime charges in Arlington County, Virginia are prosecuted actively. These matters are heard at the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanor offenses and at the Arlington County Circuit Court for felony matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients facing firearm-related charges throughout Arlington, including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. The firm has been practicing in Virginia criminal defense since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to gun crime defense. Results may vary. To request a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Gun Crime Means in Arlington County
Gun crime encompasses a broad range of offenses under Virginia Code Title 18.2. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes charges such as carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in a dwelling or vehicle, and use of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies. These offenses carry substantial penalties. For example, a first conviction for carrying a concealed weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine), while a second offense is a Class 6 felony. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony with mandatory minimum sentences if the prior felony was violent.
The Arlington County courts handle these matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies are heard in the General District Court. Felony trials are scheduled in Circuit Court. Procedural rules, bond conditions, and evidentiary standards in firearm cases require careful navigation, and the outcomes can affect Second Amendment rights, employment, professional licenses, and immigration status.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Gun Crime Cases
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team approach each gun crime case with a thorough review of the arrest, the evidence, and the applicable statutes. Our attorneys examine whether law enforcement had lawful grounds to stop, detain, or search you, and whether any statements were obtained in compliance with your constitutional rights. Challenges to the legality of a search or seizure can result in suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.
When appropriate, our team negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek amendment or reduction of charges—for example, from a felony firearm offense to a misdemeanor that does not trigger a permanent loss of firearm rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also evaluate eligibility for first-offender or deferred-disposition programs where available, and they prepare every case for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached. Throughout the process, you receive straightforward guidance about what to expect from the Arlington County courts.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced in Virginia criminal courts since 1997. He is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes practitioners with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, bringing extensive combined legal experience to each representation.
Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court. Every case benefits from the firm’s multi-jurisdictional perspective and decades of collective courtroom practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a felony gun crime in Arlington County?
Felony gun crime penalties in Virginia depend on the specific offense, but a Class 5 felony carries one to ten years of incarceration, and a Class 6 felony carries one to five years or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail. Certain firearm offenses, such as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carry mandatory minimum sentences if the prior felony was violent or if the firearm was loaded. Conviction can also result in a permanent loss of firearm rights under state and federal law. The Arlington County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony trials. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can a gun crime charge be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia generally allows expungement only for charges that ended in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal. Most convictions, including misdemeanor and felony firearm convictions, cannot be expunged under current Virginia law. The petition for expungement of a non-conviction is filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court. An attorney can assess whether your case qualifies for expungement or any other form of record relief. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a gun crime charge in Arlington County?
Yes—gun crime charges carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can affect your ability to own or possess firearms, your employment, and your immigration status. Even a misdemeanor conviction in the Arlington County General District Court can have long-term collateral effects. An experienced attorney can examine the legality of the search or seizure, negotiate with the prosecutor, and protect your rights at every stage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a firearm as a felon?
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, while possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a felony. The concealed-weapon statute (Va. Code § 18.2-308) addresses carrying a hidden firearm, and the penalties increase for repeat offenses. The felon-in-possession statute (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) applies to any person with a prior felony conviction who knowingly possesses a firearm and can carry mandatory minimum sentences. Both charges are prosecuted in Arlington County courts. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Where will my gun charge be heard in Arlington County?
Misdemeanor gun charges are heard at the Arlington County General District Court, while felony gun charges are heard at the Arlington County Circuit Court. The General District Court is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, and handles misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Circuit Court is the trial court for all felony gun crimes. Both courts are part of the Seventeenth Judicial District. To discuss how your case may proceed in these courts, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does bail work for a gun crime arrest in Arlington County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; secured bond is often required for felony gun offenses. For first-offense misdemeanors such as carrying a concealed weapon, personal recognizance may be granted. For felony firearm charges, the magistrate typically sets a secured bond, which may require a bail bondsman. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Arlington County General District Court. An attorney can present arguments for a reasonable bond at the initial appearance. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional resources for criminal defense matters in neighboring Virginia localities: Criminal defense in Fairfax County, criminal defense in Prince William County, and criminal defense in Loudoun County.
For authoritative statutory references, consult Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally) and Virginia Judicial System.
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