Concealed Weapon Lawyer Arlington County, VA
Facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in Arlington County, Virginia, raises immediate questions about the law, the courts, and your next steps. Virginia Code § 18.2‑308 governs concealed-weapon offenses, and a conviction can result in incarceration, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanor-level charges and at the Arlington County Circuit Court for felony matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have represented individuals in Arlington County courts on weapons charges, working to protect their rights and pursue a favorable resolution. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What Concealed Weapon Charges Mean in Arlington County
Arlington County is an urban jurisdiction adjacent to Washington, D.C. The county’s courts handle a high volume of criminal cases, and weapons charges are prosecuted vigorously by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor concealed-weapon cases. If a charge is elevated to a felony—typically because of a prior conviction—the matter moves to the Arlington County Circuit Court, which also hears any appeal from the General District Court.
Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony. The statute covers firearms and certain other dangerous instruments. A lawful concealed-handgun permit remains the primary statutory defense, but the facts of the alleged concealment, the nature of the item, and the circumstances of the police encounter all play critical roles in the defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have obtained favorable outcomes in Arlington County weapons cases. 21 documented results in the county show 11 dismissals or not-guilty findings and 10 reduced or amended charges in criminal matters. Results may vary.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Concealed Weapon Cases
Every concealed-weapon defense begins with a thorough review of the traffic stop, pedestrian encounter, or other interaction that led to the charge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop and probable cause to conduct a search. If the discovery of the weapon resulted from an unlawful search or seizure, the evidence may be subject to suppression. The team also assesses whether the item qualifies as a “weapon” under Virginia law and whether the manner of carry constituted concealment as defined by the courts.
The firm works with the prosecutor’s office to explore all avenues for a favorable outcome. In some cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a non‑criminal infraction or a reduced offense. When trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel present a defense grounded in the statutory elements and the procedural history of the case. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. The team’s familiarity with Arlington County court personnel and procedures supports a strategic approach tailored to the jurisdiction.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how the state builds its cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova) and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He maintains a limited personal caseload to ensure close involvement in each matter he handles.
Mr. Sris leads a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys, including former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, whose backgrounds inform a practical understanding of police procedures and prosecutorial strategy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to concealed-weapon defense in Arlington County. The firm’s Arlington location, at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serves clients throughout the county. Contact us at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in Arlington County?
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony (1 to 5 years), and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony (1 to 10 years). The charge and potential penalties depend on the defendant’s prior record and the specific facts of the case. In Arlington County, misdemeanor cases are heard in the General District Court, while felonies proceed to Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain the exposure you face after reviewing the charging documents and your history.
Can a concealed weapon charge be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia law allows expungement for charges that end in an acquittal, nolle prosequi (dismissal by the prosecutor), or otherwise dismissed, but most convictions cannot be expunged. The expungement petition is filed in the circuit court of the county where the charge was brought—for Arlington County, that is the Arlington County Circuit Court. The process requires a showing that the continued existence of the record constitutes a manifest injustice. An attorney can evaluate whether your particular outcome qualifies and guide you through the petition.
How does Virginia law define “carrying a concealed weapon”?
The statute makes it unlawful to carry “about his person” a firearm or other prohibited weapon hidden from common observation. Virginia courts interpret “about his person” broadly to include items within reach in a vehicle. Whether an item is “concealed” depends on whether it is readily observable to others; a weapon visible to an approaching officer may not be considered concealed. The item itself must fall within the statutory list of prohibited weapons. A valid concealed-handgun permit provides an affirmative defense.
Do I need a lawyer for a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County?
Yes, because a conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and loss of firearm rights. Even a first-offense misdemeanor carries the possibility of incarceration. Moreover, any felony conviction for a weapons offense triggers a loss of civil rights, including the right to possess firearms. An experienced attorney can assess the strength of the state’s evidence, advise you on the viability of a permit defense, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your case.
What defenses are available for a concealed weapon charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search, asserting a valid concealed-handgun permit, or showing that the item was not concealed or did not qualify as a weapon under the statute. If the police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the evidence may be suppressed. In some cases, the defendant possessed a permit but failed to produce it at the scene; presenting the permit later can be a defense. Constructive possession issues, such as a weapon found in a shared vehicle, may also provide grounds for a defense. Each case is fact‑specific.
Related Resources
For an overview of criminal defense in Virginia, see our comprehensive Virginia criminal defense analysis.
Learn about criminal representation in neighboring counties:
Fairfax County criminal lawyer |
Prince William County criminal lawyer |
Loudoun County criminal lawyer
Virginia Legal Resources
Virginia Code § 18.2‑308 (carrying concealed weapons)
Arlington County General District Court
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.