Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas Park — Defending Prohibited Persons
A firearm by felon charge in Manassas Park is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by 1-5 years in prison. As a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Manassas Park, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of being a felon with firearm.
Virginia Law on Firearm Possession by a Felon
Virginia law strictly prohibits any person convicted of a felony from possessing, transporting, or carrying any firearm. This statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, is the primary law governing firearm by felon charges. The prohibition is absolute and applies regardless of how much time has passed since the felony conviction. The law also extends to other prohibited persons, including those adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile for certain offenses, those subject to protective orders, and individuals convicted of specific misdemeanor domestic violence crimes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Park General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. Court procedures and filings for Manassas Park cases are handled at the Manassas Park General District Court.
Defending a Firearm by Felon Charge in Manassas Park
Defending against a firearm by felon charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence and the specific circumstances. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you knowingly and intentionally possessed the firearm. In Manassas Park General District Court, which handles preliminary hearings for these felonies, prosecutors must establish every element of the charge. Common defense strategies involve challenging the legality of the search that discovered the firearm, arguing you did not have actual or constructive possession, or questioning whether the item qualifies as a firearm under the law. The path to Circuit Court for a jury trial is a critical strategic decision.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: You will be arrested and taken before a magistrate. A bond hearing will be set in Manassas Park General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court holds a hearing to determine if there is probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be arraigned in Prince William County Circuit Court, where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions, reviews evidence, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing is imposed by the Circuit Court judge, following state guidelines.
Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Conviction
In Manassas Park, a firearm by felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence and creating a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail at jury’s discretion). Mandatory minimum of 2 years if prior violent felony. | Up to $2,500 | Loss of right to possess firearm permanently; impacts professional licenses. | Permanent felony record; loss of voting rights (until restored); ineligibility for certain jobs and housing; federal prosecution possible. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Manassas Park Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of results in Manassas Park and understand the local court procedures. Our approach is built on thorough case preparation and strategic defense planning.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in complex criminal cases. For example, we have successfully negotiated reductions from felony charges to misdemeanors in cases involving serious allegations. In one instance, a client facing a felony charge of obtaining money under false pretenses saw the charge reduced to a misdemeanor with a suspended sentence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which aids in dissecting complex evidence.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near Manassas Park, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230). We are accessible via Route 28 and I-66. We provide legal representation to individuals throughout Manassas Park. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
FAQs: Firearm by Felon Charges in Manassas Park
What does “firearm by felon” mean in Virginia?
It is a felony offense under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly possess, transport, or carry any firearm. The law applies permanently after a felony conviction, making you a prohibited person.
Can a felon ever legally own a gun in Virginia?
No. Virginia law does not provide a process for a convicted felon to restore firearm rights at the state level. A felon with firearm is a permanent prohibition, separate from federal law, which has an extremely restrictive restoration process.
What is the sentence for a firearm by felon charge?
It is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion. A prior violent felony conviction triggers a mandatory minimum 2-year prison sentence.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), arguing lack of knowledge or possession, proving the item is not a legal firearm, or showing mistaken identity. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Manassas Park can evaluate the best strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm charge?
Yes. The penalties are severe and include mandatory prison time. A skilled firearm by felon lawyer Manassas Park can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome in Manassas Park General District and Circuit Courts.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in Fairfax County and with related issues like DUI charges in Manassas Park.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.