Gun Crime Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
A gun crime charge in Lexington, Virginia, is a serious matter prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with penalties ranging from mandatory minimum prison sentences to permanent felony records. As a gun crime lawyer Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients in Lexington General District Court and Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Gun Crime Laws and Penalties
Virginia law strictly regulates firearm possession and use. Common charges include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (§ 18.2-53.1). These are not simple charges; a conviction can result in mandatory prison time, loss of the right to own firearms, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.
For example, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, though a judge or jury can reduce the sentence to up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, certain prior convictions can trigger mandatory minimum sentences of two or five years. Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for a first conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
You can review the official Virginia statutes on the Virginia General Assembly website. For local court procedures, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Call a gun crime lawyer Lexington immediately to protect your rights from the start.
- Case Analysis & Evidence Review: Your attorney will scrutinize the search, seizure, and arrest procedures for constitutional violations that could lead to evidence suppression.
- Strategic Defense Planning: Based on the evidence, we develop a strategy, which may involve negotiating for a reduction to a non-gun charge or preparing for a vigorous trial defense.
- Court Representation: We represent you at all hearings in Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and in Lexington Circuit Court for felony trials.
- Post-Trial Advocacy: If convicted, we advocate for the most favorable sentencing terms, including alternatives to incarceration where possible.
Potential Penalties for Firearms Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, gun crime penalties are severe and often include mandatory prison time, substantial fines, and the permanent loss of firearm rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Mandatory minimums may apply based on prior record |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon w/o Permit (§ 18.2-308) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of concealed carry eligibility | Weapon forfeiture |
| Use of Firearm in Commission of Felony (§ 18.2-53.1) | Separate Felony | Mandatory 3 years (1st offense), consecutive to other sentences | N/A | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Sentence enhancements stack |
| Brandishing a Firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible loss of firearm rights | Can be charged alongside assault |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Lexington Gun Crime Defense Team
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. We understand that a gun charge defense requires meticulous attention to detail—examining police reports, challenging the legality of searches, and questioning witness credibility. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we commit fully to protecting your future.
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
Documented Case Experience
While specific Lexington gun crime results are part of our confidential case files, our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving favorable results in serious criminal matters. For instance, our team has successfully argued for bond in complex cases and secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in other criminal matters. Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder and a secondary attorney on complex cases, provides strategic oversight with his background as a former prosecutor and his deep experience in multi-jurisdictional practice across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Gun Crime Defense Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts at 2 South Main Street. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. If you are searching for a “gun charge defense lawyer Lexington” or legal help near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) or Washington and Lee University, we are here to assist.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Gun Crime Defense FAQs for Lexington, VA
What should I do if I’m arrested on a gun charge in Lexington?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions or make statements to police. Contact a gun crime lawyer Lexington as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I get a gun charge reduced in Lexington?
It depends. Factors include the specific charge, your criminal history, the strength of the evidence, and the prosecution’s case. An experienced firearms offense defense lawyer Lexington can negotiate for reductions to lesser offenses, such as from a felony to a misdemeanor, in certain situations.
What is the difference between state and federal gun charges?
State charges are brought under Virginia law in Lexington courts. Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court for violations of national laws, often involving interstate commerce, drug trafficking, or prior felony convictions. Federal penalties are typically more severe.
How long does a gun crime case take in Lexington?
A misdemeanor case in Lexington General District Court may take 4-8 weeks from arraignment to trial. A felony case, which starts in GDC for a preliminary hearing and moves to Circuit Court for trial, can take 3-9 months or longer, depending on complexity.
Will I go to jail for a first-time gun charge?
Not always, but there is a significant risk. Many Virginia gun crimes, like possession by a felon or use in a felony, carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. For other charges, a skilled gun crime lawyer Lexington may argue for alternatives like probation, especially for first-time offenders.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Lexington criminal defense and Lexington federal criminal defense. To understand our statewide practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.