Firearm by Felon Lawyer Gloucester County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Gloucester County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. A firearm by felon lawyer Gloucester County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights.
Virginia Law on Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person
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, applies regardless of whether the felony conviction occurred in Virginia or another state. The charge is a separate felony, not a probation violation, and carries severe penalties. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Gloucester County must scrutinize every element of the charge, including whether the item qualifies as a firearm under the law, if the client had knowledge of its presence, and the validity of the prior conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Gloucester County General District Court Website
Defending a Firearm by Felon Charge in Gloucester County
These cases often begin with a traffic stop or a probation search. In Gloucester County General District Court, prosecutors must prove you are a convicted felon and that you knowingly possessed a firearm. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Gloucester County can attack the legality of the search, challenge the chain of custody of the evidence, or argue you lacked knowledge the firearm was present. For example, if the firearm was found in a vehicle you did not own, we may argue you did not have dominion and control over it.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the arrest details, your prior record, and the evidence against you with your firearm by felon lawyer Gloucester County.
- Investigation: Your attorney will file discovery requests, review police reports, and examine the firearm and forensic reports.
- Motion to Suppress: If the search violated your Fourth Amendment rights, your lawyer can file a motion to have the firearm evidence thrown out.
- Preliminary Hearing: The case starts in Gloucester County General District Court, where the Commonwealth must show probable cause.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If bound over, the felony trial occurs in Gloucester County Circuit Court, where a jury decides the case.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the minimum sentence. Appeals go to the Virginia Court of Appeals.
Potential Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Conviction
In Gloucester County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony carrying a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison, with a maximum of 5 years, and a potential fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm Possession by Convicted Felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years; Maximum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently; impacts professional licenses | Permanent felony record; loss of voting rights until restored; difficulty finding employment and housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Gloucester County Firearm Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a firearm by felon charge and provide a case-specific defense focused on the details of the search, seizure, and your constitutional rights.
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 & Client Advocacy
Our firm has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. In firearm-related cases, our strategies have included successful motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches, negotiations for reduced charges, and advocacy at sentencing to avoid mandatory minimums where possible. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, works collaboratively to examine every angle. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring a thorough defense.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near Gloucester County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive). We are accessible via Route 17 and Route 14. We provide legal representation to individuals in Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Firearm by Felon Charges)
What is the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 2 years, a maximum of 5 years, and a fine up to $2,500. A conviction also results in a permanent loss of firearm rights.
Can a felon ever legally own a gun in Virginia?
It depends. A convicted felon’s firearm rights can only be restored by the Governor of Virginia through an executive pardon that specifically restores those rights. A general pardon or restoration of civil rights does not automatically restore the right to possess a firearm.
What if the firearm wasn’t mine and I didn’t know it was there?
This is a common defense. The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the firearm. If it was in a shared space like a car or home, a lawyer can argue you lacked knowledge and control over it.
Does a prior felony from another state count in Virginia?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 applies to any person convicted of a felony “under the laws of any state or of the United States.” An out-of-state felony conviction will trigger the prohibition.
What should I do if I’m charged with this offense in Gloucester County?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a firearm by felon lawyer Gloucester County immediately. Your attorney will secure your case details from the Gloucester County General District Court and begin building your defense strategy.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Gloucester County, criminal defense in Henrico County, and criminal defense across Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.