Firearms Possession Lawyer Washington County, VA
If you are facing a firearms possession charge in Washington County, Virginia, the potential consequences—jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record—can be severe. These charges are prosecuted actively in the General District and Circuit Courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals in Abingdon, Damascus, Glade Spring, Meadowview, and throughout Washington County against charges ranging from carrying a concealed weapon to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined experience to firearms cases, including insight from a former Virginia State Trooper. Early involvement by a defense attorney can influence how your case is charged and resolved. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Firearms Possession Means in Washington County
Virginia law regulates firearms through a network of statutes found primarily in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Washington County law enforcement—including the sheriff’s office and the Virginia State Police—regularly bring firearm charges arising from traffic stops, domestic calls, and other encounters. The local court system includes the Washington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and the Washington County Circuit Court (felony), both located at 191 East Main Street, Suite 101, in Abingdon. Misdemeanor prosecutions are handled in General District Court, while felony charges proceed through preliminary hearing in GDC and trial in Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office has broad charging discretion, and many firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences or elevated penalties based on prior criminal history.
A key factor in every firearms case is whether the accused is a person prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law. Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, any person convicted of a felony—and certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenders—cannot possess a firearm. Possession by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony, with a mandatory minimum two-year prison term for certain violent felons. Carrying a concealed weapon (§ 18.2-308) is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense but becomes a felony for repeat offenders. Other charges, such as possession of a firearm on school property or discharge in public, also carry serious penalties. The Washington County courts treat firearm offenses seriously, and a conviction can permanently affect your right to own a firearm, your employment opportunities, and your immigration status.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearms Cases
Our approach to every firearms matter in Washington County begins with a careful review of the circumstances experienced to the charge. Many gun cases turn on questions of search and seizure, whether the defendant had knowledge of the weapon’s presence, or whether the defendant is actually a person prohibited from possession. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, including an attorney with prior law-enforcement experience as a Virginia State Trooper, know how to examine police procedures, review the handling of evidence, and identify procedural weaknesses that can be challenged in court. They also work with prosecutors to explore charge amendments—for example, seeking to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor or secure a deferred disposition for eligible first offenders.
Because Washington County proceedings are shared between the lower General District Court and the Circuit Court, timing and strategic decisions about where to resolve a case can matter significantly. In General District Court, the firm can present evidence at trial or waive a preliminary hearing on a felony. In Circuit Court, the case may proceed to a jury trial, where the firm’s courtroom experience is critical. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed of every development and focus on achieving the most favorable outcome possible under the facts of the case. 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 law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him practical insight into how the Commonwealth builds firearm cases. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris works closely with his Of Counsel, who collectively bring extensive legal experience drawn from years of criminal defense, prior law enforcement service, and multi-jurisdictional practice. The team’s knowledge of Washington County court procedures, local prosecutors, and the nuances of Virginia firearms law allows them to identify defenses that other counsel might miss.
All attorneys are Of Counsel and serve clients by appointment through the firm’s Shenandoah Location. The team speaks English, Spanish, and Tamil, making legal services accessible to a wide range of community members. We encourage you to reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for a firearms possession charge in Washington County?
Penalties depend on the specific charge and the defendant’s prior record. Under Va. Code Title 18.2, a Class 1 misdemeanor (such as a first offense carrying a concealed weapon) carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Felony firearm offenses carry substantially longer prison terms: a Class 6 felony (for example, felon in possession of a firearm) can result in 1 to 5 years imprisonment, while a Class 5 felony can mean 1 to 10 years. Certain offenses, including those that involve the use of a firearm in a violent crime, impose mandatory minimum sentences. For guidance specific to your charge, call (888) 437-7747.
Can a charge of possessing a firearm by a felon be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, it may be possible to obtain a reduction or dismissal, depending on the facts. Defenses often include challenges to the legality of the search that produced the firearm, questions about whether the person actually possessed the weapon within the meaning of the statute, or whether the underlying felony conviction disqualifies the person under Virginia law. In some cases, a prosecutor may agree to amend the charge to a lesser offense that does not carry a mandatory firearm-prohibition. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the evidence and advise you on the trusted course of action. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a concealed weapon charge and other firearm offenses?
A concealed weapon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308 punishes carrying a firearm “hidden from common observation,” which can be a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense. Other charges—such as possession by a convicted felon (§ 18.2-308.2)—target who may possess a firearm, regardless of whether it was concealed. Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit often arises during a traffic stop, and the case may turn on whether the officer had a lawful basis to search the vehicle. Unlike a felon-in-possession charge, a first-time concealed weapon offense does not trigger the same federal firearm-disability consequences. If you are facing either charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does Washington County handle first-offender firearm cases?
Virginia law allows deferred disposition for some first-time offenses, though firearm cases are not typically eligible for the same first-offender programs as drug or property crimes. For certain misdemeanor firearm offenses, the court may consider a deferred finding upon plea, placing the defendant on probation with conditions. Successful completion can result in dismissal of the charge. However, many firearm statutes carry mandatory minimum sentences that eliminate judicial discretion. The prosecution of a firearm charge in Washington County General District Court and Circuit Court can vary based on the facts and the prosecutor assigned. Because eligibility depends on the specific statute, a detailed review of your case is essential.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearms possession charge in Washington County?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor firearm conviction can result in jail time, a criminal record, and the loss of firearm rights. For non-citizens, certain firearm offenses may lead to removal proceedings. A lawyer can investigate the legality of the search and seizure, negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or alternative disposition, and, if necessary, present a strong defense at trial. The procedures in Washington County courts require timely action, so consulting an attorney early is critical. Results may vary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Where can I find a firearms possession lawyer near Washington County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing firearm charges in Washington County and the surrounding communities of Abingdon and Bristol border. The firm’s Shenandoah Location is located at 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664, and consultations are available by appointment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are admitted to practice in Virginia and appear regularly in the General District and Circuit Courts serving Washington County. Call (888) 437-7747 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Related practice areas:
Fairfax County |
Fairfax City |
Falls Church |
Prince William County
Official Virginia resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 |
Virginia Circuit Courts |
Virginia General District Courts
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.