Concealed Weapon Lawyer Arlington County, VA

If you are facing a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County, Virginia, the outcome can affect your freedom, your record, and your right to carry a firearm. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on defending individuals charged under Va. Code § 18.2‑308 in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel team draw on over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to build a defense that accounts for how Arlington County prosecutors and courts handle these cases. Results may vary. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation about your concealed weapon matter. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Concealed Weapon Charge Means in Arlington County

Under Virginia law, carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit is a criminal offense. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second offense or certain aggravating factors can elevate the charge to a Class 6 felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years. The charge is prosecuted by the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney; misdemeanors are tried in the Arlington County General District Court, while felony cases move to the Arlington County Circuit Court. The court sits at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.

Arlington County’s densely populated, urban environment means that law enforcement encounters involving concealed firearms often arise from traffic stops, calls for service, or security screenings near federal buildings and transit hubs. The Northern Virginia courts, including Arlington, apply the same statutory framework as the rest of the Commonwealth, but local prosecutorial practices and the availability of diversion or first‑offender programs can influence how a case is resolved. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. A lawyer familiar with Arlington County’s courtrooms can help you understand what the process looks like in the Seventeenth Judicial District.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Concealed Weapon Cases

When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining the traffic stop, encounter, or search that led to the weapon being discovered. In many concealed weapon cases, the legality of the interaction directly affects whether the evidence can be admitted. The team reviews police reports, witness statements, and any body‑worn camera footage to identify whether the officer had reasonable articulable suspicion to detain you or probable cause to search. Where procedural issues exist, counsel may move to suppress evidence, which can lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charge.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also explore statutory defenses, such as whether the weapon was actually “hidden from common observation” as defined by Virginia case law, or whether an exception applies—for example, carrying the firearm in a secured container or transporting it for a lawful purpose. If you hold a concealed handgun permit that was valid at the time of the encounter, the defense focuses on proving that the permit was in effect. If a conviction cannot be avoided, the team works toward a disposition that minimizes the long‑term impact on your record, including pursuing first‑offender programs or an amendment to a non‑criminal infraction where the facts and law allow. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep you informed about court dates, potential outcomes, and the steps you can take to present yourself favorably to the court.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand knowledge of how the Commonwealth builds a case. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive experience in Virginia criminal defense, including former law enforcement professionals and litigators who have handled thousands of cases across the Commonwealth. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to every concealed weapon matter they handle. Results may vary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County, Virginia?

A first offense carrying a concealed weapon under Va. Code § 18.2‑308 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second or subsequent offense within a short period is a Class 6 felony, punishable by one to five years in prison. The specific penalty depends on your criminal history, the circumstances of the arrest, and whether any other charges are filed. A conviction can also result in the loss of your concealed handgun permit eligibility and affect employment and security clearances. Because the stakes are high, it is important to have counsel who can argue for reduced charges or alternative dispositions. Cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanors and the Arlington County Circuit Court for felonies.

How does bail work for a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County?

After an arrest, a magistrate sets bond based on factors including your ties to the community, criminal history, and the nature of the charge. For a first‑offense misdemeanor concealed weapon charge, personal recognizance (no money required) is often granted. For felony charges, a secured bond is more typical, and you may need a bail bondsman. The bond amount can be appealed in the Arlington County General District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can present arguments at the bond hearing to seek a lower amount or release on personal recognizance, so you can remain at home while your case moves forward.

Can a concealed weapon charge be expunged in Arlington County?

Virginia allows expungement of a concealed weapon charge if the case ends in an acquittal, nolle prosequi (dismissal), or other non‑conviction outcome. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, you may petition the Arlington County Circuit Court to expunge police and court records. If you are convicted, expungement is generally not available, though certain deferred‑disposition programs may lead to a dismissal and subsequent eligibility. An experienced defense attorney can help you pursue a resolution that keeps your record clean. To discuss your expungement options, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against a concealed weapon charge?

Defense strategies for a concealed weapon charge in Virginia may include challenging the legality of the stop, search, or seizure, questioning whether the weapon was actually concealed, or raising a statutory exception such as a valid concealed carry permit. An attorney can also scrutinize whether the officer’s observations meet the legal standard for “hidden from common observation” under Virginia case law. Where evidence is weak, counsel may negotiate with the prosecutor to amend the charge to a non‑criminal infraction or a lesser offense. Every case is different, and a defense tailored to the specific facts of your arrest is essential.

What should I do if I am facing a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County?

If you are charged with carrying a concealed weapon, immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with law enforcement or post about it on social media. Preserve any documents, photographs, or witness contact information that may support your version of events. Then contact a criminal defense lawyer who practices in Arlington County. Early involvement allows counsel to begin building your defense, address bond conditions, and communicate with the prosecutor before the first court date. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

Do I need a lawyer for a concealed weapon charge in Arlington County?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor concealed weapon conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of the right to carry a firearm. The Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases actively, and navigating the court system without representation is risky. A lawyer who knows the local courts, the prosecutor’s office, and the specific defenses under Va. Code § 18.2‑308 can help you pursue favorable outcomes—whether that is dismissal, reduction, or an alternative disposition. For a confidential consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

What is the difference between General District Court and Circuit Court for a concealed weapon case in Arlington County?

Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor concealed weapon trials and felony preliminary hearings; the Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court. In General District Court, there is no jury; a judge decides guilt or innocence. For a felony charge, the General District Court conducts a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court. If the case proceeds to the Circuit Court, you have the right to a jury trial. Understanding which court your case is in and what procedures apply is critical, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts.

Can a concealed weapon charge be reduced to a lesser offense in Virginia?

Yes, negotiated resolutions are possible when the evidence does not fully support the charge. While Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. A reduction can eliminate jail time, reduce fines, and avoid the lifetime firearm disability that attaches to some convictions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in pursuing charge amendments through discussions with the prosecutor.

Resources and Related Links

For more information on criminal defense across Northern Virginia, visit these pages:

Virginia Legal Resources

Last reviewed: June 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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