Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas, VA
A charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Manassas, Virginia, carries serious potential consequences. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, the offense is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years of incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of two years if the prior felony was a violent felony within ten years. Cases are heard in the Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings and misdemeanor matters, and in the Manassas Circuit Court for felony trials. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Manassas courts and can help you understand the charges you face, develop a defense, and work toward a favorable outcome. To discuss your situation with an attorney, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Firearm by Felon Means in Manassas
A person convicted of a felony in Virginia is generally prohibited from knowingly and intentionally possessing or transporting any firearm. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes these offenses vigorously, and a conviction can result in incarceration, fines, and a permanent felony record. The Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, handles initial appearances and preliminary hearings; the Manassas Circuit Court handles jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
Because Manassas sits within the Thirty‑first Judicial District, cases move according to local court procedures. The penalties for firearm‑by‑felon charges are set by statute, but the outcome depends on the specific facts—including whether the prior felony was violent, whether the firearm was loaded, and whether any federal parallel charges exist. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with how these cases proceed in Manassas and can help you evaluate your options.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm‑by‑Felon Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., an attorney reviews the arrest report, the prior felony record, and the evidence the Commonwealth intends to introduce. Defenses may include challenging the legality of the search that discovered the firearm, questioning whether the item meets the statutory definition of a firearm, or examining whether the prior conviction was a qualifying felony. In some cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge or enter a nolle prosequi if the evidence is weak.
The firm handles both state charges under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 and, when necessary, parallel federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which can carry a separate federal sentence. Because federal charges are sometimes brought in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, having counsel familiar with both systems is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel offer that dual‑perspective representation.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced 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).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include individuals with backgrounds as former Virginia State Troopers and former Assistant State’s Attorneys. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for possession of a firearm by a felon in Manassas?
A violation of Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 is a Class 6 felony, carrying one to five years of incarceration. The statute imposes a mandatory minimum of two years if the prior felony was violent and occurred within ten years, and a mandatory minimum of five years if the firearm was loaded. Additionally, federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) may apply, with a possible ten‑year federal sentence. The specific penalty depends on the facts and the defendant’s criminal history.
Can a felon ever legally possess a firearm in Virginia?
Generally, no. Virginia law prohibits any person convicted of a felony from possessing or transporting a firearm. There is no permit or license that restores firearm rights absent a gubernatorial restoration of civil rights, and even then federal law may still bar possession. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain the limited exceptions that may exist and whether your situation might qualify for relief.
How do Manassas courts handle firearm‑by‑felon cases?
Cases start with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate; felony charges then proceed to the Manassas General District Court for a preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court handles jury trials and any appeals from the General District Court. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with the local procedures and can guide defendants through each stage.
What defenses are available against a firearm‑by‑felon charge?
Defenses may include challenging the legality of the stop or search, arguing the item was not a “firearm” under Virginia law, or asserting that the prior conviction was not a disqualifying felony. Each case turns on its specific facts, and an experienced attorney can evaluate whether the evidence supports a motion to suppress, a pretrial dismissal, or a negotiated resolution.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with firearm by felon in Manassas?
Yes. A felony conviction can result in incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of future employment and housing opportunities. Because these charges often involve complex constitutional issues and overlapping state and federal laws, having counsel with experience in Manassas courts is critical. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.
Where can I find a firearm‑by‑felon lawyer near Manassas?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Manassas from its Fairfax location. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at the Manassas General District Court and Manassas Circuit Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue. To speak with an attorney about your case, call (888) 437‑7747 or request a consultation online.
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