Firearm by Felon Lawyer King William County, VA
Facing a charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in King William County is a serious criminal matter. A conviction is a Class 6 felony carrying a term of imprisonment of 1 to 5 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense representation to individuals in King William, West Point, Aylett, and surrounding communities. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm has documented 2 favorable outcomes in King William County General District Court — outcomes that include reduced or amended charges. To discuss your situation, contact our firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Firearm by Felon Charges Mean in King William County, Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The charge is prosecuted as a Class 6 felony in Virginia. If the predicate felony was a violent felony under Va. Code § 17.1‑805, a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years applies; if the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum rises to 5 years. Even without a mandatory minimum, the court may impose a sentence of 1 to 5 years — or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine.
In King William County, a party charged with this offense will first appear in the King William County General District Court at 351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086, for an initial appearance and, if the charge is a felony, a preliminary hearing. If the General District Court finds probable cause, the case is certified to the King William County Circuit Court for trial. A defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court on any charge that carries potential jail time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King William County prosecutes these cases, and the court process follows the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure.
A conviction for firearm possession by a felon carries lasting consequences beyond the sentence: a permanent felony record, the loss of firearm rights, and potential effects on employment, housing, and professional licenses. In some circumstances, federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) may also be brought, adding federal sentencing exposure and no parole. Early involvement of an experienced defense attorney is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have appeared in King William County courts on criminal matters and understand the local procedural landscape.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches each firearm‑by‑felon case with a thorough review of the evidence, the legality of the search or seizure that produced the firearm, and the validity of the prior felony conviction that forms the basis of the charge. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel — including an attorney who served 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper — bring a dual perspective that examines both law‑enforcement procedures and prosecution strategies. The team identifies potential weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case, such as whether the weapon was actually in the defendant’s possession, whether the prior felony qualifies under the statute, or whether the stop or arrest violated constitutional protections.
The firm works to pursue the most favorable resolution under the facts of each case. That may involve negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge, presenting evidence of mitigating circumstances, or litigating pretrial motions to suppress evidence. If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a defense in the King William County Circuit Court. Every case is handled individually, and no specific outcome can be promised. The firm’s documented case results in King William County General District Court include 2 matters that were reduced or amended. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris works alongside a team of dedicated Of Counsel attorneys who bring decades of combined trial experience. One Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law‑enforcement service, offering practical insight into police protocols, investigative techniques, and enforcement tactics. This collaboration allows the firm to approach firearm‑by‑felon cases from both prosecution and defense angles. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for firearm by felon in King William County, Virginia?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Virginia is a Class 6 felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2, a mandatory minimum of 2 years applies if the prior felony was a violent felony; if the firearm was loaded, the mandatory minimum is 5 years. At jury discretion, the court may also impose a term of up to 12 months in jail and a fine. Cases are heard in King William County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in the General District Court.
Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced or dismissed?
A charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑308.2 may be reduced or dismissed through legal challenges, negotiation, or procedural motions. Whether a reduction or dismissal is possible depends on the specific facts—such as the validity of the search, the connection between the defendant and the firearm, and the nature of the prior felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 2 reduced/amended outcomes in King William County General District Court. Results may vary.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against firearm by felon charges?
Defense strategies for firearm by felon in Virginia may include challenging the legality of the stop or search, questioning whether the person was actually in possession of the firearm, or disputing the validity of the prior felony conviction. An experienced attorney evaluates the manner in which the evidence was obtained, examines the chain‑of‑custody, and assesses whether the prior conviction meets the statutory definition under § 18.2‑308.2. The goal is to build the strong $1 under the specific facts of the case.
What should I do if I am facing a firearm by felon charge in King William County?
If you are facing a firearm by felon charge, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any documents, photographs, or other evidence that may be relevant. The court deadlines and procedural rules under Virginia law require prompt action. Early engagement can affect how the case proceeds through the King William County General District Court and, if certified, the Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon case in King William County?
Yes, legal representation is strongly advisable because a conviction carries a felony sentence and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can protect your rights at each stage — from the initial appearance and pretrial motions to trial. Without an attorney, you risk missing critical deadlines, making unguarded statements, and facing the full weight of the prosecution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense services to individuals throughout King William County.
What is the court process for a firearm by felon case in King William County?
A firearm by felon case begins with an initial appearance in King William County General District Court, followed by a preliminary hearing, and if probable cause is found, the case proceeds to the King William County Circuit Court for trial. The defendant has a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. Throughout the process, pretrial motions can be filed, including motions to suppress evidence or to dismiss the charge. The timeline varies based on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Fairfax County criminal defense |
Prince William County criminal defense |
Manassas criminal defense |
Falls Church criminal defense
Primary Virginia legal sources:
Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) |
King William County General District Court |
Virginia Circuit Courts
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.