Firearm by Felon Lawyer Alexandria — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Alexandria is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison. As a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Alexandria, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the severe consequences and mandatory sentencing.
Virginia Law on Firearm Possession by a Felon
Virginia law strictly prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from knowingly possessing, transporting, or carrying any firearm. This statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, is a Class 6 felony, but carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment upon conviction. The law applies regardless of how much time has passed since the felony conviction. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed a firearm and that you have a prior felony conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Alexandria General District Court website.
Defending a Firearm by Felon Charge in Alexandria
In Alexandria, these cases are aggressively prosecuted. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often seeks the mandatory minimum. A strong defense for a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Alexandria to pursue involves attacking the “knowing possession” element and the legality of the police stop and search. The firearm must also be operable to qualify under the statute.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the arrest details, your prior record, and the evidence against you with your firearm by felon lawyer Alexandria.
- Investigation & Motions: Your attorney will file motions to challenge the search and seizure and request discovery from the prosecution.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged by warrant, a hearing in Alexandria General District Court determines if there is probable cause to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: In Alexandria Circuit Court, your lawyer will negotiate for a reduction or prepare for trial, focusing on weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case.
- Trial or Resolution: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a plea agreement that may avoid the mandatory minimum.
Potential Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Conviction
In Alexandria, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison and a maximum of 5 years, plus potential loss of civil rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 2 years (min), Up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Alexandria Firearm Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have a deep understanding of Alexandria court procedures and the strategies used by local prosecutors in felony firearm cases.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Alexandria and Northern Virginia
Our attorneys have achieved favorable results in serious felony cases across Northern Virginia. For instance, in a Fairfax County case involving a felony charge of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses, our team successfully negotiated a reduction to a misdemeanor with a fully suspended sentence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals.
Contact Our Alexandria Firearm Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at the Alexandria courts. We are a firearm by felon lawyer Alexandria residents can consult for a strong defense. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a felon with a gun in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The maximum penalty is five years and a $2,500 fine.
Can the mandatory minimum sentence be avoided?
It depends. While the law requires the mandatory minimum upon conviction, a skilled felon with firearm defense lawyer Alexandria may negotiate a plea to a different charge that does not carry the mandatory time or successfully argue a motion to suppress evidence, which can lead to a case dismissal.
What does the prosecution have to prove?
The Commonwealth must prove you are a convicted felon, you knowingly possessed a firearm, and the firearm was operational. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Alexandria will challenge each of these elements.
Does a prior felony from another state count?
Yes. Virginia law considers any felony conviction from any U.S. state or federal court. The conviction does not expire for the purposes of this charge.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violation), lack of knowledge that the item was a firearm or that it was present, the firearm was inoperable, or mistaken identity. An experienced firearm by felon lawyer Alexandria can evaluate which defense applies to your case.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI charges in Alexandria and criminal defense in Arlington. For more information on Virginia criminal law, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.