Firearm by Felon Lawyer King George County, VA
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2, it is a criminal offense for any person previously convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. In King George County, a charge of firearm by felon is prosecuted as a Class 6 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to five years, with mandatory minimum terms that can apply depending on the nature of the prior felony and whether the firearm was loaded. A conviction can alter your liberty, firearm rights, and future opportunities. If you are facing a firearm by felon charge in King George County, Virginia, the attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide experienced representation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine at the discretion of a jury. A mandatory minimum 2-year sentence applies if the prior felony was a violent felony under § 17.1-805 within the preceding 10 years; a mandatory minimum 5-year sentence applies if the firearm was loaded.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Firearm by Felon Means in King George County
King George County sits within Virginia’s Fifteenth Judicial District, where the King George County General District Court handles initial appearances, arraignments, and preliminary hearings for felony offenses, while the King George County Circuit Court hears trials for felony charges, including firearm possession by a convicted felon. Because a firearm by felon charge is a felony, it begins in the General District Court for a preliminary hearing and, if probable cause is found, proceeds to the Circuit Court for trial or disposition. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King George County prosecutes these matters, and the court system enforces the statutory penalties under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.
The rural character of King George County, its proximity to major roadways such as Route 3 and Route 301, and the presence of the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center mean that law enforcement interaction can arise in varied contexts—from traffic stops to domestic incident responses. When a person with a prior felony record is found in possession of a firearm, the charge often carries serious consequences beyond incarceration, including the loss of civil rights and a lifetime federal firearms disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Our Fairfax Location serves clients in King George County, and the firm’s attorneys regularly appear in the King George County courts at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases
When a person is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in King George County, the attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. begin by examining every element of the state’s case—the legality of the stop or search that led to the discovery of the firearm, the chain of custody of the evidence, and the validity of the underlying felony conviction that triggers the prohibition. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring a thorough understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its case, allowing them to identify procedural weaknesses and constitutional challenges that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charge.
Among the Of Counsel team is a former Virginia State Trooper with over 15 years of law enforcement service, who offers firsthand insight into police protocols, traffic stop procedures, and firearm seizure practices. That background informs the review of the evidence and the development of defense strategies tailored to the facts of each case. The firm works to pursue pretrial resolutions—such as negotiation with the prosecutor’s office for a reduced charge—while also preparing for trial when a favorable resolution cannot be reached. Because Virginia does not permit a judge to plea bargain, any charge amendment must be agreed to by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, making experienced negotiation essential. The timeline for resolution varies depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the matter, but the firm’s approach remains consistent: scrutinize the state’s evidence, protect the client’s rights, and work toward the trusted achievable outcome. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he concentrates his practice on criminal defense, including serious felony matters in Virginia. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, all of whom are engaged through Excella and collaborate with Mr. Sris on criminal defense matters. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a firearm by felon charge in King George County?
A firearm by felon charge in Virginia is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine at the discretion of a jury. Mandatory minimum sentences apply in certain circumstances: a 2‑year minimum if the prior felony was a violent felony under § 17.1-805 within the last 10 years, and a 5‑year minimum if the firearm was loaded. In King George County, the case is heard in the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court. A conviction also triggers a federal firearms disability that generally prohibits future gun ownership. The prosecutor must prove knowing and intentional possession of a firearm and the existence of a prior felony conviction. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How can a lawyer defend against a firearm by felon charge?
Defense strategies often involve challenging the legality of the search or seizure that uncovered the firearm, questioning the admissibility of evidence, and examining whether the state can prove the defendant knew he possessed the firearm. Other approaches may include presenting evidence that the prior felony conviction does not meet the statutory definition—for example, if it has been expunged or restored—or that the item does not qualify as a firearm under Virginia law. In some cases, negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor offense is possible, though the final decision on accepting a plea rests with the court. Each defense is fact‑specific, and early legal involvement is critical. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a felon ever legally possess a firearm in Virginia?
Generally, no—Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. There are very limited exceptions, such as when civil rights have been fully restored by the Governor and the restoration order explicitly includes firearm rights. Even after a pardon or restoration of rights, federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) continues to prohibit possession unless the conviction is expunged, set aside, or the person is pardoned with an express firearm authorization. Because the state and federal prohibitions operate independently, anyone with a felony record should obtain clear legal guidance before attempting to acquire or possess a firearm. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for firearm by felon in King George County?
If you are arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and immediately request to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with law enforcement or anyone else. The King George County General District Court will hold an initial appearance and a bond hearing shortly after arrest. A magistrate sets bond; depending on the circumstances, secured bond through a bail bondsman may be required. Early involvement of defense counsel can help present a strong case for pretrial release and begin investigating the evidence. Preserve all documents, receipts, and communication records that relate to the charge, and do not attempt to contact witnesses on your own. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the King George County court process work for a felony firearm charge?
The case begins in the King George County General District Court with an arraignment and a preliminary hearing, where the judge determines whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court. If probable cause is found, the case is transferred to the King George County Circuit Court for trial or plea. At the Circuit Court level, the defendant has the right to a jury trial. Between the preliminary hearing and trial, the defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge, and may engage in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The timeline from arrest to trial varies by court scheduling and case complexity. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Are there alternatives to conviction for a firearm by felon charge in Virginia?
First‑offender programs and deferred dispositions are generally not available for a Class 6 felony firearm by felon charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. Unlike certain property crimes or drug possession offenses, the statute does not provide a statutory deferred‑disposition mechanism. However, in some circumstances, if the evidence reveals a constitutional violation or a weakness in the prosecution’s case, the charge may be dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense through negotiation with the prosecutor. Any reduction must be approved by the court. The likelihood of a favorable resolution depends heavily on the specific facts. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related locations we serve: Criminal Defense Fairfax County · Criminal Defense Fairfax City · Criminal Defense Falls Church · Criminal Defense Prince William County · Criminal Defense Manassas
Primary legal resources: Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 · Virginia Circuit Courts · Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
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