Gun Crime Lawyer Hanover County — Defending Your Rights
A firearms charge in Hanover County is a serious matter prosecuted under Virginia’s strict gun laws. As a Class 1 misdemeanor or felony, a conviction can mean jail time, fines, and loss of your right to own firearms. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for all firearms offenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia law strictly regulates the possession, use, and carrying of firearms. Common charges include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), and brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282). These offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Hanover County General District Court and Circuit Court. A conviction carries severe penalties and creates a permanent criminal record.
For a firearms offense defense lawyer Hanover County, understanding the specific statute and local court procedures is critical. The official Virginia code is available at the Virginia General Assembly website. Court information for Hanover County can be found at the Virginia Courts website.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will review the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence for constitutional violations or weaknesses.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss flawed charges.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or alternative disposition, such as a first-offender program if eligible.
- Prepare for trial in Hanover County General District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony) if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
In Hanover County, gun crimes range from Class 1 misdemeanors with up to 12 months in jail to felonies carrying years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Concealed Weapon | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of Concealed Carry Permit | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession of Firearm by Felon | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Forfeiture of firearm, loss of gun rights |
| Brandishing a Firearm | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible loss of permit | Enhanced penalties if on school property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a gun charge and provide a focused, strategic defense.
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
Our team has secured favorable outcomes in firearms cases. For instance, our attorneys have successfully argued motions to suppress evidence, skilled to dismissed charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. In complex cases, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, often collaborates to develop case strategy.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365. Meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, including Mechanicsville and Ashland. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301. If you need a gun crime lawyer near Hanover County, contact us for a consultation.
What should I do if I’m arrested on a gun charge in Hanover County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you have spoken with your attorney. Contact a gun crime lawyer Hanover County as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I get a concealed carry permit after a gun charge conviction?
It depends. A conviction for most firearms offenses will permanently disqualify you from obtaining a concealed carry permit in Virginia. An experienced firearms offense defense lawyer Hanover County may be able to help you avoid a conviction through dismissal or reduction of charges.
What are the defenses to a firearms charge?
Common defenses include lack of possession, unlawful search and seizure, mistaken identity, and self-defense. A gun charge defense lawyer Hanover County will investigate the specifics of your case to identify the strongest applicable defense strategy.
How long does a gun crime case take in Hanover County?
A misdemeanor case in General District Court may be resolved in 2-3 months. A felony case in Circuit Court typically takes 6 months to a year or more, depending on complexity and motions filed. Your lawyer can provide a more specific timeline.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, we are also a DUI lawyer in Hanover County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.