Gun Crime Lawyer Fairfax — Defending Firearms Charges in Fairfax County

A gun charge in Fairfax County is a serious matter prosecuted under Virginia’s strict firearms laws. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by 1-5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for these charges.

Virginia Gun Crime Laws and Penalties

Virginia categorizes firearms offenses primarily under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The most common charge is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), which is a Class 6 felony. Other charges include carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), reckless handling of a firearm (§ 18.2-56.1), and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (§ 18.2-53.1), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence.

Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly

Official Legal Resources

Defending Gun Charges in Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, gun charges are aggressively prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. A key local procedural fact is that many firearms cases originate from traffic stops or other investigations where the firearm was discovered but not used. Challenging the legality of the search or seizure is often a primary defense strategy. The court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles initial hearings, while felony trials proceed to the Fairfax County Circuit Court.

Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our firm immediately after an arrest or charge. We review the police report, circumstances of the search, and your criminal history.
Investigation & Motion Filing: We investigate the legality of the stop, search, and seizure. If your rights were violated, we file a motion to suppress the evidence.
Negotiation & Strategy: We engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to explore reductions, such as amending a felony charge to a misdemeanor or seeking a diversion program if eligible.
Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and witness credibility.

Potential Penalties for Firearms Offenses in Fairfax

In Fairfax County, gun crime penalties range from misdemeanors with jail time to felonies with years in prison and permanent loss of firearm rights.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	License Impact	Additional Consequences
Possession by Convicted Felon	Class 6 Felony	1-5 years (or up to 12 months)	Up to $2,500	N/A	Permanent loss of firearm rights; felony record
Carrying Concealed w/o Permit	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	N/A	Weapon forfeiture
Reckless Handling of Firearm	Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $2,500	N/A	Weapon forfeiture
Use of Firearm in Felony	Separate Felony	Mandatory 3-5 years (consecutive)	N/A	N/A	Sentence runs consecutively to underlying felony

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Experience with Fairfax County Gun Charges

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a gun charge can alter your life, affecting employment, housing, and your right to bear arms. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.

Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys like Mr. Sris, who bring deep insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This experience is invaluable when developing a defense strategy for a firearms charge.

Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)

Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. She is barred in Maryland and Virginia and focuses her practice on criminal defense, including firearms offenses. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides critical insight into case construction and courtroom strategy, which she uses to defend clients in Fairfax County courts.

Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile

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 Fairfax County, our firm has a documented record of handling complex criminal cases. While every case is unique, our overall approach aims for the best possible outcome, which can include case dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Gun Crime Lawyer Near Fairfax County

Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a local gun charge defense lawyer Fairfax for communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.

Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.

FAQs: Gun Crime Defense in Fairfax, VA

What should I do if I’m arrested on a gun charge in Fairfax?

Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you speak with an attorney. Contact a gun crime lawyer Fairfax from our firm for a 24/7 consultation.

Can a felony gun charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

It depends on the specifics of the case, your criminal history, and the evidence. In some instances, a skilled firearms offense defense lawyer Fairfax can negotiate with the prosecutor to amend a felony possession charge to a misdemeanor, such as reckless handling, which carries lesser penalties.

What is the most common defense to a gun charge?

One of the most effective defenses is challenging the legality of the search that discovered the firearm. If the police lacked probable cause or a warrant, the evidence may be suppressed, often skilled to a case dismissal. A gun charge defense lawyer Fairfax will meticulously review the stop and search procedures.

Will I go to jail for a first-time gun charge?

Not necessarily, but there is a significant risk. For a first-time Class 6 felony, the court has discretion to sentence you to active jail time or suspend the sentence. The outcome heavily depends on the representation you have and the strategy employed from the start.

How long does a gun case take in Fairfax County?

A misdemeanor case in General District Court may be resolved in 2-3 months. A felony case, which moves from General District Court for a preliminary hearing to Circuit Court for trial, can take 6 months to a year or more, depending on complexity and motions filed.

Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.

Gun Crime Lawyer Fairfax | SRIS, P.C.