Firearm by Felon Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence in Prince William County. A firearm by felon lawyer Prince William County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence and protect your rights. We have 141 documented results in Prince William County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
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 offense is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. The statute is designed to prevent individuals deemed a potential danger to public safety from accessing weapons. A conviction is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Critically, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment for any violation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, visit the official Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. Court information and procedures can be found on the Prince William County General District Court website.
Defending a Firearm by Felon Charge in Prince William County
Defending against a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Prince William County requires a detailed examination of the facts. The prosecution must prove you are a convicted felon and that you knowingly possessed a firearm. Common defense strategies include challenging the legality of the search that discovered the weapon, arguing a lack of knowledge (e.g., the firearm belonged to someone else), or questioning whether the item qualifies as a “firearm” under the law. In Prince William County General District Court, these cases often begin with a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
- Initial Consultation: Contact a firearm by felon lawyer Prince William County immediately after arrest or charge to discuss the specifics of your case and prior record.
- Case Review: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, evidence, and your criminal history to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Motion Practice: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained from an illegal search or seizure, which can be a case-winning strategy.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Prince William County General District Court, challenge the probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Strategy: If the case proceeds to Prince William County Circuit Court, prepare for trial or negotiate for a favorable plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, present compelling mitigation evidence to argue for a sentence below the mandatory minimum, where possible.
Potential Penalties for a Felon with a Firearm
In Prince William County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony carrying a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison and a maximum of 5 years, or at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory min. 2 years; 1-5 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently; impacts professional licenses | Permanent felony record; loss of voting rights (until restored); ineligibility for public housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our deep familiarity with the Prince William County courts and prosecutors allows us to build effective, case-specific defense strategies for clients facing serious felony weapon charges.
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 Prince William County
Our team has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients in Prince William County. We have 141 documented results in this locality, including 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 19 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts in Manassas. We are accessible to communities throughout the area, including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a felon with a firearm in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. The maximum is 1 to 5 years in prison, or at a jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can a felon ever legally own a gun in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia law allows for the restoration of firearm rights for certain non-violent felons through a Governor’s pardon or by having their civil rights restored by the Governor and then filing a petition in Circuit Court. The process is complex and not guaranteed.
What does the prosecution have to prove for a firearm by felon charge?
The prosecution must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1) You have a prior felony conviction, and 2) You knowingly possessed, transported, or carried a firearm. A skilled felon with firearm defense lawyer Prince William County attacks both elements.
Is “constructive possession” enough for a conviction?
Yes. You can be convicted if the firearm was found in a place you controlled (like your car or home), even if not on your person, if the prosecution can prove you knew of its presence and had the ability to control it.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge?
Yes. The mandatory prison sentence and permanent consequences make immediate legal representation critical. An attorney can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Prince William County and family law matters.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County and Manassas City.
Learn More: For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.