Concealed Weapon Lawyer Fairfax County, VA

If you have been charged with carrying a concealed weapon in Fairfax County, Virginia, the charge arises under Va. Code § 18.2-308. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, 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 — each carrying increasingly severe incarceration and the loss of firearm rights. These charges are prosecuted in the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and the Fairfax County Circuit Court for felonies, both located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on criminal defense in Fairfax County and across Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, to concealed weapon matters. Results may vary. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Concealed Weapon Charges Mean in Fairfax County, Virginia

Virginia law prohibits carrying a firearm or certain other weapons “hidden from common observation” without a valid concealed handgun permit. In Fairfax County, these charges are frequently encountered after a traffic stop, a public disturbance, or a police interaction where a weapon is discovered. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these matters, and the courts apply the statutory framework strictly.

At the Fairfax County General District Court, a first-offense concealed weapon charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The court may impose active jail time, a fine, supervised probation, and a permanent criminal record. Because a second offense elevates the charge to a Class 6 felony — which entails a possible prison sentence and the loss of civil rights — even an initial misdemeanor conviction carries long-term consequences. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles all felony concealed weapon cases, as well as appeals from General District Court.

Defendants have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential incarceration. The procedural path includes an arraignment, pretrial motions, and a trial date set by the court. An experienced defense attorney can examine the legality of the stop, the search that uncovered the weapon, and whether the state can prove the weapon was concealed within the meaning of Va. Code § 18.2-308.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Concealed Weapon Cases

Every concealed weapon case begins with a thorough review of the arrest circumstances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the initial stop — whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to detain you, whether a search complied with constitutional standards, and whether the weapon was actually “concealed” as the statute defines it. These early factual assessments often determine the direction of the case.

Defense strategies may include challenging the officer’s observations, presenting evidence of a valid permit or statutory exception, negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a non-criminal infraction, or, where the facts warrant, taking the matter to trial. Virginia courts permit plea agreements under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience navigating those negotiations in Fairfax County.

Because the consequences of a conviction extend beyond the courtroom — impacting employment, professional licenses, and firearm ownership — the legal team works to protect your record at every stage. The approach is tailored to the specific facts of your case, not a one-size template. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years in law enforcement, providing practical insight into police procedures and investigative techniques that can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,700 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His multi-state practice gives him a broad perspective on criminal procedure and defense strategies.

Mr. Sris is joined by a team of Of Counsel attorneys, each bringing extensive experience to criminal defense. One of his Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of service, whose firsthand knowledge of police protocols and accident investigation strengthens the defense of weapon charges. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. They represent clients in Fairfax County General District Court, Fairfax County Circuit Court, and throughout Northern Virginia.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar | Maryland Judiciary | DC Bar | NJ Courts | NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon in Virginia?

Under Va. Code § 18.2-308, a first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, carrying a sentence of one to five years in prison, and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony, with a sentencing range of one to ten years. In addition to incarceration and fines, a felony conviction results in the loss of firearm rights and may affect employment and housing opportunities. In Fairfax County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases vigorously. Because the statutory scheme escalates quickly, even an initial misdemeanor charge should be taken seriously. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to evaluate your options.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against concealed weapon charges?

Defense strategies for a concealed weapon charge often focus on whether the search that uncovered the weapon was lawful and whether the state can prove the weapon was actually “concealed” within the meaning of the statute. An attorney will examine the stop’s legality, the officer’s observations, and any potential constitutional violations. If the evidence is weak, a motion to suppress may be filed. If a valid concealed handgun permit exists but was not presented at the scene, that can serve as a defense. In some cases, negotiation with the prosecutor may result in a reduced charge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience challenging the facts and legal arguments in Fairfax County courts, tailoring the defense to the specific circumstances of each case.

Do I need a lawyer for a concealed weapon charge in Fairfax County?

Yes, because even a misdemeanor concealed weapon conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect your employment, professional licenses, and ability to carry a firearm. In Fairfax County, these charges are prosecuted by an experienced Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office that knows the local judges and procedures. An attorney can investigate the stop, challenge the evidence, and advocate for a dismissal, reduction, or favorable resolution. Representing yourself exposes you to the full range of penalties without the procedural knowledge necessary to protect your rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court and understand how these cases unfold. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing concealed weapon charges in Fairfax County?

If you are arrested or receive a summons for a concealed weapon violation, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer, including on social media. Preserve any documents, photographs, or witness information that may be relevant. The court will schedule an arraignment, and missing that date can lead to an arrest warrant. An attorney can appear with you, advise you on the charges, and begin building a defense. Because the timeline for pretrial motions can be short, early legal involvement is critical. Reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

Can a concealed weapon charge be reduced or dismissed in Fairfax County?

Yes, depending on the facts of the case, a concealed weapon charge can be reduced to a lesser offense, dismissed outright, or resolved through a deferred disposition. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge if there are evidentiary weaknesses or mitigating circumstances. For example, a charge might be reduced to a non-criminal traffic infraction if the weapon was discovered during a vehicle stop and the defendant had no prior record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented favorable outcomes in Fairfax County courts, including dismissals and reductions. Results may vary. In your case. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific facts and identify the strongest path forward.

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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | (888) 437-7747

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.