Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas, VA

A charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in Manassas, Virginia, triggers serious felony penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 and practicing across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, represents individuals facing these charges in the Manassas area. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to each case. Our Fairfax location represents clients at the Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court, which handle firearm-by-felon matters at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation and discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years imprisonment or, at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. Virginia Code

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

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What Firearm by Felon Means in Manassas

Virginia prohibits any person convicted of a felony from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting a firearm. The statute does not require proof that the firearm was loaded or used; mere possession is sufficient. In Manassas, these charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and cases may proceed through either the Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings or the Manassas Circuit Court for felony trials. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced with the procedural landscape of the Thirty-first Judicial District and understand the local court practices at 9311 Lee Avenue.

The penalties can be severe. Beyond the base felony sentencing range, a mandatory minimum two-year term applies if the prior felony was a violent felony as defined in Va. Code § 17.1-805 and occurred within ten years of the new charge. If the firearm was loaded and the prior felony was violent, the mandatory minimum increases to five years. These statutory enhancements make early evaluation of the case critical.

Even a charge that does not result in a conviction can have lasting consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. works to achieve favorable outcomes for clients by examining the validity of the stop, the legality of the search, and whether the prosecution can prove the elements of possession and the defendant’s status as a convicted felon. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases

When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel undertake a firearm-by-felon matter in Manassas, they begin by reviewing every aspect of the law enforcement encounter. Because the firm includes a former prosecutor and Of Counsel with a background as a former Virginia State Trooper, they are well positioned to assess whether police procedures complied with constitutional requirements and to identify possible challenges to the evidence.

The legal team examines the underlying felony conviction to confirm it qualifies under the statute and to explore whether rights have been restored—an avenue that, if successful, can completely defeat the charge. When the evidence is strong, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek amended charges or alternative dispositions. In the Manassas Circuit Court, a defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense carrying jail time, and the firm is prepared to try the case when it serves the client’s interests. in handling criminal matters in Manassas, we have observed that local prosecutors often consider the specific facts, the nature of the prior record, and the defendant’s circumstances when evaluating plea agreements.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. He founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

All non-Sris attorneys serve as Of Counsel, engaged through Excella. This team includes professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement and prosecution, enabling a comprehensive approach to defense. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is firearm by felon in Virginia?

Firearm by felon, under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, makes it a felony for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly possess or transport a firearm. The offense does not require the weapon to be loaded or used; mere possession is enough. The charge is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison, though the court may impose up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion. Mandatory minimum sentences apply if the prior felony was violent and recent. Our firm represents clients on these charges in Manassas General District Court and Circuit Court.

What are the potential penalties for a firearm by felon conviction in Manassas?

A first offense under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony, carrying a sentence of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail at the jury’s discretion. If the prior felony was a violent felony within ten years, a two-year mandatory minimum applies; a five-year mandatory minimum applies if the firearm was loaded and the prior felony was violent. Additional consequences include the permanent loss of firearm rights and a felony record. 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 in Manassas?

Defense strategies include challenging the legality of the police stop and search, arguing the defendant did not knowingly possess the firearm, or demonstrating that the prior felony conviction does not meet the statutory definition. Counsel may also present evidence that the defendant’s civil rights have been restored, which can remove the disability. In Manassas, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge if the evidence or equities warrant. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Manassas, Virginia?

Yes. A firearm by felon charge is a serious felony that can result in prison time and a permanent criminal record. Even a preliminary hearing in the Manassas General District Court can shape the outcome, and the case may later proceed to the Manassas Circuit Court for a jury trial. Early legal involvement allows experienced counsel to evaluate the evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and protect your rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handle such matters and can be reached at (888) 437-7747.

What happens at a firearm by felon preliminary hearing in Manassas General District Court?

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that the defendant committed the offense. The judge decides whether the case should be certified to the Manassas Circuit Court for a felony trial. Defense counsel can cross-examine witnesses, challenge the evidence, and argue that the charge should be dismissed or reduced. If probable cause is found, the case moves to Circuit Court; if not, the charge may be dismissed. in handling criminal matters at Manassas General District Court, these hearings often set the tone for later proceedings.

Where can I find a firearm by felon lawyer near Manassas?

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Manassas from our Fairfax location. We appear at the Manassas General District Court and the Manassas Circuit Court, both located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747 or contact the firm online.

Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) |
Manassas General District Court |
Virginia Court System

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