Gun Crime Lawyer Prince William County, VA
A firearm charge in Prince William County can lead to serious penalties—even a misdemeanor conviction can mean jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients facing gun crime allegations in the Prince William County General District Court and the Prince William County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to each case. Results may vary. If you are facing a gun-related charge, contact our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Gun Crime Charges Mean in Prince William County, Virginia
Gun crime charges in Virginia cover a wide range of conduct—carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in public, and using a firearm during the commission of a felony, among others. The classification and potential penalties depend on the nature of the offense:
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail and a fine.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑11. Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 1, Section 18.2‑11
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
A Class 5 felony in Virginia is punishable by one to ten years in prison, or, at the discretion of the jury or the court sitting without a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑10. Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 1, Section 18.2‑10
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Common firearm statutes charged in Prince William County include Va. Code § 18.2‑308 (carrying a concealed weapon), Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 (possession of a firearm by a convicted felon), and Va. Code § 18.2‑279 (shooting at an occupied dwelling). Cases are heard in the Prince William County General District Court—located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110—for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings on felonies. Felony trials proceed in the Prince William County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these matters.
Prince William County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Che C. Rogers. Court hours: Mon‑Fri 8:00 AM‑4:00 PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
Misdemeanor vs Felony Gun Charges in Virginia
| Attribute | Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2‑8 et seq.) | Felony (Va. Code § 18.2‑9 et seq.) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Jail | Up to 12 months (Class 1) | More than 12 months |
| Court of Jurisdiction | General District Court | Circuit Court |
| Right to Jury Trial | Limited (appeal de novo) | Yes |
| Voting Rights | Retained | Lost (felony disenfranchisement) |
| Firearm Rights | Generally retained | Lost |
| Class 1 Maximum Fine | $2,500 | Varies |
Source: Public statutes (lis.virginia.gov).
Expungement may be available for charges that end in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. For first‑offense misdemeanors, deferred disposition programs can sometimes lead to a dismissal upon successful completion. An experienced attorney can explain which options apply to your situation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Gun Crime Cases
When a person contacts our firm about a gun charge in Prince William County, the first step is a thorough review of the arrest and the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedure during the stop, search, or seizure. A Fourth Amendment violation—an illegal search or an arrest without probable cause—can result in the suppression of evidence or dismissal of the charge.
In many cases, a key question is whether the firearm was actually on the defendant’s person or merely in the vehicle. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308, a firearm is “concealed” if it is hidden from “common observation,” and the definition can be the subject of significant pretrial litigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also evaluate whether any statutory exceptions apply—for example, whether the defendant had a valid concealed handgun permit or was in a location where carry is permitted.
For felony firearm charges, the defense strategy may include challenging the admissibility of any statement made by the accused, scrutinizing forensic testing of the weapon, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for an amendment to a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation that avoids mandatory minimums. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in identifying the ways a gun case can be challenged at each stage—from the initial magistrate hearing to a jury trial in the Circuit Court.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., started the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings to each case an understanding of how the prosecution builds a gun charge. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. They serve Prince William County clients from the firm’s Fairfax Location, appearing regularly in the courthouse at 9311 Lee Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common gun crime charges in Prince William County?
Common firearm charges in Prince William County include carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and shooting at an occupied dwelling. Carrying a concealed weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor on a first offense; a second offense is a Class 6 felony. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class 6 felony, with mandatory minimum sentencing possible in certain cases. Other charges include brandishing a firearm and using a firearm during the commission of a felony, each carrying its own set of penalties.
Do I need a lawyer for a gun charge in Prince William County?
Yes. A gun conviction can result in jail time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. Even a misdemeanor charge at the Prince William County General District Court can have long-term consequences. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, raise Fourth Amendment challenges, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you at trial if the case proceeds. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a felony gun charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in some circumstances the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a felony firearm charge to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. This can happen when the evidence is weak, the defendant has no prior record, or there are mitigating factors. A reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor avoids the loss of civil rights—such as the right to vote and possess firearms—that accompany a felony conviction. The decision rests with the prosecutor, and experienced defense counsel can present reasons why an amendment is appropriate.
What happens at an arraignment for a gun charge?
At an arraignment, the defendant appears before a judge, is informed of the charges, and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In the Prince William County General District Court, the arraignment occurs shortly after arrest. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is scheduled to determine whether the case should be certified to the Circuit Court for trial. Having an attorney present at arraignment is critical; the plea entered can affect bond conditions and the course of the case.
How does bond work for a gun charge in Prince William County?
A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest, considering factors such as flight risk, danger to the community, and the nature of the offense. For misdemeanor firearm charges, personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first‑time offenders. For felony gun charges, a secured bond—often requiring a bail bondsman to post the amount—is typical. Bond conditions may include a prohibition on possessing firearms. The bond decision can be appealed to the General District Court, and an attorney can argue for a lower bond or release on recognizance.
Can a gun conviction be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement only when the charge results in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal; convictions generally cannot be expunged. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person found not guilty or whose charge is dropped may petition the Circuit Court to expunge police and court records. If the gun charge was dismissed through a deferred disposition program, expungement eligibility may also apply. An attorney can advise on whether your case qualifies and assist with the petition process.
For more information about criminal defense in nearby jurisdictions, visit our pages on Fairfax County criminal defense, Stafford County criminal representation, Loudoun County criminal lawyer, Fauquier County criminal defense, and Arlington County criminal matters.
Review the following official resources for more information:
- Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses Generally)
- Prince William County General District Court
- Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.