Firearm by Felon Lawyer Greene County, VA

A charge of firearm possession by a convicted felon is one of the most serious felony offenses in Virginia. In Greene County, a conviction under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 carries state prison time, a mandatory minimum sentence in certain cases, and a lifetime loss of firearm rights. If you or a family member is facing this charge at the Greene County General District Court or Circuit Court on Stanard Street in Stanardsville, early legal involvement is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. bring extensive combined legal experience to defending firearm‑by‑felon allegations. For a confidential consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Firearm by Felon Means in Greene County, Virginia

Under Virginia Code § 18.2‑308.2, it is a felony for any person previously convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The offense is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison—or, at the discretion of a jury, up to twelve months in jail and a fine. However, if the prior conviction was for a violent felony as defined in § 17.1‑805 and occurred within the preceding ten years, a mandatory minimum two‑year sentence applies. If the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum rises to five years.

In Greene County, the prosecuting authority is the Commonwealth’s Attorney. All misdemeanor and preliminary felony proceedings begin in the Greene County General District Court at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville. Because firearm‑by‑felon is a felony, the case will be bound over to the Greene County Circuit Court for trial or disposition. Having counsel who is familiar with both the local court calendar and the procedural demands of a felony prosecution helps ensure that no deadline is missed and that every available defense is explored.

The firm’s Fairfax Location regularly serves clients in Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and throughout Greene County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear at the Greene County courts on criminal matters, bringing a depth of knowledge about Virginia’s firearm statutes and the evidentiary challenges that often surface in such prosecutions.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases

Defending a firearm‑by‑felon charge requires a multi‑faceted approach that starts with a painstaking review of the encounter that led to the arrest. The defense team looks closely at whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion for the initial stop or probable cause for a search. If an officer located a firearm during a warrantless search, suppression of the evidence may be possible.

Beyond Fourth Amendment challenges, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the underlying felony conviction to determine whether it qualifies as an offense that triggers the firearm prohibition or any enhanced mandatory minimum. Not every prior conviction satisfies the statutory definition, and the Commonwealth bears the burden of proof on each element. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who served fifteen years in law enforcement; that background provides firsthand insight into how stops and searches are conducted, where procedural mistakes commonly occur, and how to attack the prosecution’s evidence. When the facts allow, the defense may also explore factual mitigation that could support a favorable plea resolution or a downward departure at sentencing.

Throughout the case, the client is kept informed of each step—from the preliminary hearing in General District Court through any necessary motions in Circuit Court. Mr. Sris keeps a limited personal caseload, which enables him and his Of Counsel to dedicate sustained attention to serious felony matters. The goal in every representation is to work toward the trusted attainable outcome under the specific facts of the case.

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 to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes trial experience and a focus on complex felony cases, including firearm‑possession prosecutions that carry mandatory prison terms.

Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional criminal‑defense experience and unique perspective. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who spent fifteen years investigating criminal and traffic offenses throughout the Commonwealth. That practical, on‑the‑ground understanding of police protocols is a significant asset in mounting a thorough defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm serves clients across Virginia from its Fairfax Location. For clients in Greene County, that means access to a defense team with knowledge of local court procedures, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s charging practices, and the specific judges who preside at 85 Stanard Street. To speak with Mr. Sris or a member of the Of Counsel team, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for firearm by felon in Virginia?

Firearm possession by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, carrying one to five years in prison, or up to twelve months in jail at the discretion of a jury. If the prior felony was a violent felony and occurred within ten years, a mandatory minimum two‑year sentence applies. When the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum increases to five years. The offense is prosecuted in Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court. Conviction results in a lifetime federal firearms disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?

Defense strategies include challenging the legality of the stop and search, contesting whether the object qualifies as a firearm under the statute, and disputing the sufficiency of the evidence linking the firearm to the defendant. An experienced attorney will also examine whether the prior felony conviction actually triggers the prohibition—not every felony does—and whether any procedural defects exist in the Commonwealth’s proof. In Greene County, these issues are typically litigated through pretrial motions in Circuit Court. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am facing firearm by felon charges in Greene County?

Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, and do not consent to any search or questioning without counsel present. Contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and any constitutional challenges can be raised promptly. The case will begin in the Greene County General District Court and, because it is a felony, will be certified to the Circuit Court. Early legal guidance can affect the direction of the prosecution, the possibility of a bond reduction, and the preparation of a defense. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Virginia?

Yes. A felony conviction carries prison time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and a lifetime loss of firearm rights. Even in cases where the evidence appears straightforward, there may be viable defenses related to the search, the prior conviction, or the classification of the item recovered. An attorney can also negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a charge reduction or alternative disposition when the facts support it. Proceeding without counsel in a felony matter is extremely risky. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides representation in Greene County. Call (888) 437‑7747.

Can a convicted felon ever have firearm rights restored in Virginia?

Virginia does not have an automatic restoration process for firearm rights; a felon must apply for a gubernatorial restoration of civil rights and then separately petition for firearm rights. The Governor may restore the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. Firearm rights are distinct and require an additional showing. Even after state restoration, the federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) remains unless removed through a federal expungement, pardon, or relief from disabilities. The process is complex and fact‑specific. To discuss whether restoration may be possible in your situation, contact our firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Internal Resources
Fairfax County Criminal Defense |
Prince William County Criminal Defense |
Loudoun County Criminal Defense |
Virginia Criminal Defense Overview

Virginia Primary Sources
Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 – Possession of firearm by convicted felon |
Greene County General District Court

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