Firearm by Felon Lawyer Roanoke County, VA
If you face a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 in Roanoke County, the potential consequences include felony conviction, prison time, and a mandatory minimum sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals accused of firearm by felon in the Roanoke County courts. Our Shenandoah location serves clients in Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and surrounding communities. The firm’s experienced criminal defense team works to protect your rights and pursue a favorable outcome. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Firearm by Felon Means in Roanoke County
A firearm by felon charge in Virginia—often called “felon in possession of a firearm”—is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. In Roanoke County, felony cases are handled in the Roanoke County Circuit Court (305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153). Misdemeanor firearm offenses may be heard in the Roanoke County General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Roanoke County decides whether to pursue charges, and the court process includes preliminary hearings, discovery, and potential jury trial. Because this is a felony, an experienced defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural issues, and negotiate with prosecutors.
Roanoke County sits within the 23rd Judicial District and is served by major highways I‑81 and I‑581. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 34 case results in Roanoke County across all criminal matters, including traffic and other offenses. Results may vary. For a firearm by felon case, the stakes are high: a conviction can mean incarceration, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent felony record. Early legal intervention is critical to protect your future.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to criminal defense in Virginia. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who brings firsthand knowledge of law enforcement investigations, evidence collection, and police procedures—insight that is especially valuable in firearm-possession cases. The defense process begins with a thorough case review: examining the arrest, the search that led to firearm discovery, witness statements, and the prosecution’s evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel then develop a strategy tailored to the facts, which may involve challenging the legality of a stop or search, disputing possession, or negotiating a reduction of charges where appropriate.
While the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes actively, the firm works to identify weaknesses in the state’s case. If the evidence was obtained in violation of constitutional protections, a motion to suppress can be filed. In some matters, negotiation with the prosecutor can lead to an amended charge or a deferred disposition. Because each case is different, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide honest assessment of the options and potential outcomes. The firm does not guarantee any particular result; the timeline and outcome depend on the unique facts of the case and the court’s calendar.
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. Before founding the firm, he served as a prosecutor, giving him insight into how the government builds criminal cases. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience spans complex criminal defense, including firearm offenses, across multiple jurisdictions.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team include attorneys with deep Virginia courtroom experience. One Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years in law enforcement, providing a unique perspective on evidence collection and police procedure. The team collectively brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm handles firearm by felon cases with attention to detail and a commitment to protecting clients’ constitutional rights.
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of two years if the prior felony was a violent felony within 10 years.
Source: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. Virginia Law
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for firearm by felon in Roanoke County?
A firearm by felon conviction in Roanoke County is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. The penalty can include one to five years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the prior felony was a violent felony committed within 10 years, a mandatory minimum two-year prison term applies. A felony conviction also results in the permanent loss of firearm rights. Because sentences vary significantly, it is important to have an attorney evaluate your case early. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Roanoke County?
Yes. A firearm by felon charge is a felony carrying the possibility of prison time and a permanent criminal record. Even if you believe you have a defense or the evidence is weak, the Roanoke County Commonwealth’s Attorney may proceed actively. An experienced attorney can evaluate the legality of the search, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and explore options such as a motion to suppress or negotiation for a reduced charge. Without legal representation, you risk a conviction that can affect employment, housing, and civil rights. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a firearm by felon charge be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia law permits expungement only for charges that end in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. A conviction for firearm by felon cannot be expunged under current Virginia law. However, if the charge is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty, a petition for expungement may be filed in the Roanoke County Circuit Court. Expungement removes police and court records from public access, though certain agencies may still retain records. Because the rules are narrow, early defense efforts that lead to a dismissal or acquittal can be critical. For guidance on your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against a firearm by felon charge?
Defense strategies in Roanoke County firearm by felon cases often focus on challenging the legality of the stop or search that led to the firearm’s discovery. If law enforcement violated Fourth Amendment protections, the evidence may be suppressed. Attorneys also examine whether the defendant actually “possessed” the firearm—Virginia law defines possession as knowing and intentional—and whether the state can prove the defendant was aware of the weapon’s presence, if it was found in a vehicle or shared space. In some cases, the prior felony conviction may be challenged if it does not meet the statutory definition. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel analyze every aspect of the case to build the strong $1 within the bounds of the law.
Where are firearm by felon cases heard in Roanoke County?
Felony firearm by felon charges are heard in the Roanoke County Circuit Court, located at 305 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. Misdemeanor firearm charges, such as carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (first offense), are heard in the Roanoke County General District Court, at the same address. The Circuit Court handles jury trials, bond hearings, and all felony matters. The General District Court conducts preliminary hearings for felony charges to determine if probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in both Roanoke County courts.
What should I do if I am charged with firearm by felon?
If you are facing a firearm by felon charge in Roanoke County, do not discuss the facts with anyone except your attorney. Avoid making statements to law enforcement, and exercise your right to remain silent. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and your rights protected. Early legal intervention may affect bond, the direction of the investigation, and the potential for a favorable resolution. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. The firm’s attorneys are available to advise you on the next steps. Results may vary.
Additional resources: Fairfax County criminal lawyer · Prince William County criminal defense · Fairfax City criminal lawyer
Virginia law: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Roanoke County Circuit Court · Roanoke County General District Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.