Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas, VA

You are driving through Manassas when a routine traffic stop turns into something far more serious. The officer notices an object under the seat and asks you to step out of the car. Minutes later, you are handcuffed and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. Suddenly your freedom, your family, and your future hang on the outcome of a single court proceeding. This is not a minor matter; the law imposes a mandatory minimum prison sentence in many cases, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these charges actively in the Thirty-first Judicial District. When you need a firearm by felon lawyer in Manassas, swift, experienced legal representation is essential. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to protect the rights of individuals facing serious weapon-possession charges. Call (888) 437-7747 to speak about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Firearm by Felon Charge Means in Manassas

A firearm-by-felon charge in Manassas is not simply a paperwork violation. Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it a Class 6 felony for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The potential sentence is one to five years in prison, but if the prior felony was a violent offense under § 17.1-805, the law imposes a mandatory minimum of two years—and five years if the firearm was loaded. These mandatory terms restrict a judge’s sentencing discretion and raise the stakes significantly. The charge is often brought in conjunction with other offenses such as carrying a concealed weapon or possession of a sawed-off shotgun, compounding the legal exposure.

In Manassas, misdemeanor arraignments and preliminary hearings for felonies take place at the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Felony trials, including firearm-by-felon cases, proceed in the Manassas Circuit Court, where a jury may be empaneled. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes these matters, and the court follows the procedural rules of the Thirty-first Judicial District. Because the charge implicates both liberty and the loss of civil rights, understanding the local court process—from bond hearings to plea negotiation under Rule 3A:8 of the Supreme Court of Virginia—is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in Manassas courts and bring that courtroom familiarity to every case.

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

Defending a firearm-by-felon charge in Virginia requires an approach that combines constitutional scrutiny with factual investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team begin by examining whether law enforcement conducted a lawful stop, search, or seizure. If an officer lacked reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop or probable cause to search the vehicle, the evidence may be challenged through a motion to suppress. The team also reviews the underlying felony conviction to confirm that it qualifies as a predicate offense under the statute and that the client had the requisite knowledge of the firearm’s presence. Because the mandatory minimum sentence is triggered only when the prior felony is classified as violent, diligent analysis of the criminal record can sometimes prevent the imposition of the harsher penalty.

The Of Counsel team includes former law enforcement professionals who understand how police investigations unfold—from the initial dispatch call to the forensic examination of the firearm. That perspective helps identify procedural missteps that may weaken the prosecution’s case. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his team maintain open communication with the client, explaining each stage from the preliminary hearing in the General District Court to the possibility of a jury trial in Circuit Court. The goal is always to pursue the most favorable resolution whether that means negotiating a charge amendment, arguing for a sentence below the mandatory floor where legally permissible, or taking the case to trial when the facts and law support it.

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. A former prosecutor, he brings an insider’s understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its cases and where those cases can be challenged. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His extensive courtroom experience informs every strategy the firm deploys in Manassas firearm-by-felon matters.

Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team strengthens the firm’s capacity with lawyers who have served as law enforcement officers and prosecutors in other jurisdictions. This collective background means the firm can approach a firearm-by-felon case from multiple investigative and procedural angles. The team works collaboratively, drawing on decades of combined legal insight to build a defense tailored to the unique facts of each client’s situation. From the initial consultation through trial, the focus remains on protecting the client’s rights and pursuing the trusted achievable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, disputing whether the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm, and examining whether the prior predicate felony meets the statutory definition under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. An attorney also reviews the chain of custody of the weapon, any forensic testing, and the circumstances of the arrest. If a constitutional violation occurred, a motion to suppress the evidence may lead to dismissal. Because the law imposes mandatory minimum sentences in certain situations, defense counsel may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to an offense that does not carry such a minimum, when the facts permit. Each defense is fact-specific and requires a thorough investigation of both the current charge and the prior conviction.

What should I do if I am facing a firearm by felon charge in Manassas?

If you are facing a firearm by felon charge in Manassas, you should immediately request legal representation and refrain from discussing the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney. Do not post about the incident on social media or answer questions from law enforcement without counsel present. Preserve any evidence that may be favorable, including witness contact information and documentation of the circumstances. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible; early involvement can affect bond decisions and the timing of the preliminary hearing. The court in Manassas moves quickly, and delays in retaining counsel can limit strategic options.

What court handles a firearm by felon case in Manassas?

In Manassas, felony firearm-possession charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the Manassas General District Court, and if the case is certified, it proceeds to trial in the Manassas Circuit Court. The General District Court is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, and handles bond review, arraignment, and preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court, which has jury trial authority, hears all felony trials. The timeline from arrest to trial depends on the complexity of the case and the court’s calendar. An attorney familiar with both courts can help you understand what to expect at each stage and advise on whether to request a preliminary hearing or waive it.

Can a firearm by felon charge be dismissed in Virginia?

Yes, a firearm by felon charge can be dismissed if the prosecution cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt or if a constitutional violation occurred, such as an illegal search or seizure. Dismissal may also result when the underlying felony does not qualify as a predicate offense under the statute, for example when the prior conviction has been pardoned or the civil rights have been restored. Motions to suppress evidence are a common pretrial tool. While dismissal is never past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, a thorough investigation of the arrest procedure and the client’s criminal history can reveal weaknesses in the government’s case that may lead to a favorable resolution.

What are the immigration consequences of a firearm conviction?

A conviction for firearm possession by a felon under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 can trigger severe immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility, because it may be classified as a firearms offense or a crime involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law. Noncitizens facing this charge should consult an attorney experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law. The firm’s multi-state practice includes attorneys who understand the interaction between state criminal statutes and federal immigration provisions, and they work to structure any resolution to minimize the immigration impact where possible. However, federal immigration outcomes depend on many factors, and specific advice should come from qualified counsel.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.