Firearm by Felon Lawyer in Shenandoah County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Shenandoah County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 12 documented criminal defense results in Shenandoah County.
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 statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, is a primary tool for prosecutors in gun crime cases. The charge applies regardless of how the firearm is obtained or where it is kept. For a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Shenandoah County, the first step is examining whether the prosecution can prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: April 2026 | Shenandoah County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see the official Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Possession of firearms by convicted felons). Court procedures and filing information can be found on the Shenandoah County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Firearm by Felon Charge
In Shenandoah County, a firearm by felon charge typically begins with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate. The case is then heard in Shenandoah County General District Court for a preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to Shenandoah County Circuit Court for a felony jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you were a convicted felon and that you knowingly possessed a firearm. A firearm by felon lawyer Shenandoah County will scrutinize the search, seizure, and identification of the firearm.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: A hearing in Shenandoah County GDC where the Commonwealth must show probable cause that a felony was committed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Shenandoah County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all prosecution evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for a reduction or proceeds to a jury trial to contest the charges.
Potential Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Conviction
In Shenandoah County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, with a maximum of 5 years, and a fine up to $2,500.
| 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; impacts professional licenses | Permanent felony record; loss of voting rights until restored; difficulty finding employment and housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearm Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide a strong, case-specific defense. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. For a firearm by felon charge, you need a lawyer who understands both the technical legal arguments and the local court procedures in Shenandoah County.
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 in Shenandoah County
Our firm has 12 documented criminal defense results in Shenandoah County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. These results include dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. While every case is unique, this local experience informs our approach. For complex cases, our team collaborates with attorneys like Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and systems provides an edge in cases involving technical evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
Address: 505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Phone: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Practice Areas: Criminal, DUI/DWI, Traffic/Reckless, Divorce/Family
Hours: Phones 24/7/365; by appointment
Service Area: Shenandoah, Warren, Frederick, Rockingham, Augusta, Clarke, Page Counties
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Shenandoah County courts, accessible via I-81. We are your local firearm by felon lawyer near Shenandoah County, serving Woodstock, Edinburg, Strasburg, Mount Jackson, Toms Brook, and New Market. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Firearm by Felon Charges
What is the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison, a maximum of 5 years, and a fine up to $2,500 under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2.
Can a prohibited person ever legally own a firearm again in Virginia?
It depends. A convicted felon may have their firearm rights restored by the Governor of Virginia or through a pardon. This is a complex process separate from the criminal case and requires a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Shenandoah County to handle the specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.
What defenses are available for a firearm by felon charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the firearm, arguing a lack of knowledge or possession, contesting the status of the prior conviction, or proving the item was not a functional firearm. A firearm by felon lawyer Shenandoah County will investigate all possible angles.
Does the charge apply if the firearm was in my house but not on me?
Yes. “Possession” under the law can be actual (on your person) or constructive (within your dominion and control, like in your home or car), so location alone is not a defense.
What should I do if I am arrested for this charge in Shenandoah County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a firearm by felon lawyer Shenandoah County from our firm 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 to protect your rights from the very beginning of the process.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub, or read about Criminal Defense in Frederick County. In Shenandoah County, we also assist with DUI/DWI charges.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.