Gun Crime Lawyer Henrico County, VA
Gun crime charges in Henrico County involve serious state and federal firearm statutes that can reshape a person’s future. Whether the allegation is carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, or using a firearm during a violent crime, the case will almost certainly proceed through the Henrico County General District Court or the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on representing individuals facing such charges, drawing on over two decades of court experience in Virginia. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the Commonwealth builds firearm cases and develops defense strategies tailored to the specific facts. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. If you need a gun crime lawyer in Henrico County, contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Gun Crime Charges Mean in Henrico County
Virginia prosecutes firearm offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, and the level of the charge often depends on the defendant’s criminal history and the circumstances of the alleged possession or use. In Henrico County, these cases are handled by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and move through two courts. Misdemeanor charges, such as carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, are tried in the Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road. Felony-level offenses—including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon or the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony—proceed to the Henrico County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court.
Because Henrico County is a suburban jurisdiction with multiple major transportation corridors, law enforcement officers routinely encounter firearm-related conduct during traffic stops and other street-level encounters. The intersection of Virginia’s strict firearm laws with the county’s policing patterns means that even an otherwise routine interaction can escalate into a felony charge. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with how these cases arise in Henrico County and know the procedural steps that follow an arrest, including bond determinations and preliminary hearing calendars.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Gun Crime Cases
A firearm charge in Henrico County demands a defense approach that begins with a careful review of the arrest circumstances. Mr. Sris, who practiced as a prosecutor before founding the firm in 1997, examines every aspect of the stop, search, and seizure to identify potential Fourth Amendment violations, including whether law enforcement had the reasonable suspicion or probable cause necessary under Virginia law. Where the evidence supports it, the firm moves to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or statements. This early-stage analysis can significantly affect the trajectory of the case, particularly when a firearm was discovered during a vehicle search.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., bring additional depth to firearm defense work. Drawing on their own substantial courtroom experience, they collaborate with Mr. Sris to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and prepare for trial. The defense strategy is individualized—whether the charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first-offense concealed weapon or a felony with mandatory minimum sentences for certain aggravated firearm offenses, the team works toward the most favorable resolution possible under the facts of the case.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor informs the way he evaluates firearm charges from the government’s perspective and builds a defense that addresses the weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case. Mr. Sris maintains direct involvement in the preparation of every firearm matter the firm handles.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who have handled criminal cases across Virginia’s courts. They assist with motion practice, evidence review, and trial preparation, ensuring that clients benefit from a team-based defense without the hierarchical structure of an associate-partner model. Every attorney who works on a Henrico County gun crime case is focused on protecting the client’s rights and minimizing the impact of the charge on the client’s liberty and record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon in Henrico County?
A first offense of carrying a concealed weapon under Va. Code § 18.2-308 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with 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. A valid concealed handgun permit under § 18.2-308.04 is the primary defense. The case will be heard in the Henrico County General District Court unless it is a felony, in which case it moves to the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
What if I am charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. If the prior felony was a violent felony within the last ten years, a mandatory minimum sentence of two years applies, and it increases to five years if the firearm was loaded at the time of the offense. The Commonwealth must prove both the prior conviction and the knowing possession of the firearm. Defenses may include lack of knowledge or a claim of right, and every element is scrutinized.
How does the court process work after a gun crime arrest in Henrico County?
After arrest, an initial appearance and bond determination will occur before a magistrate or judge. For a misdemeanor, the case is set for trial in the Henrico County General District Court within a timeframe set by the court’s calendar. If the charge is a felony, the case begins with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court; if probable cause is found, it is certified to the Henrico County Circuit Court for trial. Throughout this process, a defense attorney can challenge the evidence, seek bond review, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
Can I legally possess a firearm if my prior conviction was expunged?
Under Virginia law, an expungement that results in the removal of a conviction from your record may restore your firearm rights, but this depends on the specific statute and the nature of the underlying offense. Virginia’s expungement statute, Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, applies primarily to non-convictions such as acquittals or nolle prosequi. If you have a prior felony that was later pardoned or your rights were restored by the Governor, you may be permitted to possess a firearm. Because federal law imposes additional restrictions, you should discuss your specific situation with a lawyer.
Do I need a gun crime lawyer for a misdemeanor concealed weapon charge?
Yes, because even a misdemeanor firearm conviction creates a permanent criminal record and can affect your gun rights, employment, and professional licenses. A first-offense concealed weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries potential jail time and a fine. Moreover, a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2 triggers a lifetime federal firearms prohibition under the Lautenberg Amendment. Representation from the outset can make a significant difference in whether the charge is reduced or dismissed, and an attorney can advise you on the collateral consequences of any plea.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related Criminal Defense Locations: Chesterfield County · Hanover County · Fairfax County
Virginia Firearm Resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Henrico County General District Court · Virginia Courts
Carrying a concealed weapon in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, a Class 6 felony for a second offense, and a Class 5 felony for a third or subsequent offense, with authorized penalties set by Va. Code § 18.2-308.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
A convicted felon who knowingly and intentionally possesses a firearm commits a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2; a mandatory minimum sentence of two years applies if the prior felony was a violent felony within ten years, and five years if the firearm was loaded.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
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