Firearm by Felon Lawyer King George County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in King George County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. As a firearm by felon lawyer King George County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the severe penalties and can build a defense strategy.
Virginia Law on Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person
Virginia law strictly prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from knowingly possessing, transporting, or carrying any firearm. This law, codified in Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, applies regardless of where the felony conviction occurred, whether in Virginia, another state, or federal court. The statute is a key tool for prosecutors and a critical area for a felon with firearm defense lawyer King George County to understand.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on building strong defenses for serious charges like firearm possession by a prohibited person.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The statute defining the offense of possession of firearms by convicted felons and other prohibited persons.
- King George County General District Court – The official website for the court where preliminary hearings for these felonies are held.
Local Court Process for a Firearm by Felon Charge
In King George County, a charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 begins with an arrest or summons. The case will start in the King George County General District Court for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to the Circuit Court. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer King George County must be prepared for this two-court process. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases vigorously, given the mandatory penalties involved.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. Given the seriousness of the charge, securing release often requires legal argument.
- General District Court Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and argue for dismissal.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the felony is certified, you will be formally charged in King George County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all police reports, lab results, and witness statements.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence and motion outcomes, your attorney will advise on accepting a plea offer or proceeding to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge must impose the mandatory minimum prison term.
Penalties for Firearm Possession by a Felon in Virginia
In King George County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony carrying a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years; Maximum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Permanent felony record; difficulty finding employment/housing; loss of voting rights until rights restored |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Firearm Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how these cases are built by law enforcement. We approach every firearm charge by meticulously examining the chain of custody of the weapon, the legality of the search or seizure, and the specifics of the client’s prior record. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, has a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in dissecting complex evidence.
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
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in criminal cases. In King George County, we have 4 documented criminal case results with a 75% favorable outcome rate (3 dismissed/not guilty). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For instance, our team, including experienced attorneys like Mr. Sris and Kristen Fisher, has successfully argued for the suppression of evidence in firearm cases, skilled to charges being reduced or dismissed before trial.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near King George County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts. We are accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. Our firearm by felon lawyer near King George provides representation for residents of King George and Dahlgren.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Firearm by Felon Charges in King George County
What does “possession” mean in a firearm by felon case?
Yes, possession can be actual or constructive. Actual possession means the firearm is on your person. Constructive possession means you have knowledge of the firearm and the ability to control it, even if it’s in a shared space like a car or home. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the gun.
Can a prior felony conviction from another state count?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 applies to any person convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or the United States. A felon with firearm defense lawyer King George County will scrutinize the out-of-state conviction to ensure it is properly classified as a felony under Virginia law.
Are there any defenses to this charge?
It depends. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm (Fourth Amendment violation), arguing a lack of knowledge or control (not in possession), or proving the prior conviction has been expunged or your civil rights have been fully restored. Each case is unique.
What is the role of a prohibited person gun charge lawyer King George County?
A prohibited person gun charge lawyer King George County investigates the arrest circumstances, files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiates with prosecutors for reduced charges, and prepares a vigorous defense for trial. Their goal is to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for this charge?
The preliminary hearing in King George County General District Court is not a trial. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a felony was committed and you committed it. Your attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses and argue for dismissal if the evidence is insufficient, which can be a key moment in the case.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing other charges, we are also a DUI lawyer in King George County and a divorce and family law lawyer in King George County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.