Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesterfield County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Chesterfield County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison. As a firearm by felon lawyer Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for prohibited persons facing these charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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, is a Class 6 felony, but carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison upon conviction. The law applies regardless of where the prior felony conviction occurred, if it would be a felony in Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has extensive experience defending these complex charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for a Felon with Firearm Charge
A charge for a felon with firearm in Chesterfield County begins with an arrest and an initial appearance at the Chesterfield County General District Court. Because this is a felony, the General District Court will hold a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial. Prosecutors in Chesterfield County take these charges very seriously due to the mandatory minimum sentence.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will be brought before a magistrate or judge. A defense attorney can argue for favorable bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can challenge the evidence and cross-examine witnesses to try to get the charge reduced or dismissed before it goes to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case is certified, you will be formally charged in Chesterfield County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with prosecutors, potentially seeking a reduction to a non-mandatory charge.
- Trial or Disposition: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Conviction
In Chesterfield County, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years; up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Federal prosecution possible; permanent felony record; difficulty finding employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience Defending Prohibited Persons
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our defense strategy for a prohibited person gun charge examines every detail, from the legality of the search and seizure to the specifics of your prior conviction and your knowledge of the firearm’s presence.
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 Chesterfield County
Our team has achieved documented results in Chesterfield County courts. In one case, a charge of Profane Language Over Public Airway resulted in a Not Guilty verdict. In another, a Purchase/Possess Alcohol charge was Dismissed. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a strategic edge in cases with technical or financial elements.
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We provide legal representation to residents of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
FAQs: Firearm by Felon Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The maximum penalty is up to five years and a $2,500 fine.
Can a felon ever legally possess a firearm in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia law allows for restoration of firearm rights by the Governor or through a pardon. For certain non-violent felons, rights may be restored by a Circuit Court after a waiting period and petition process. This is a complex legal area requiring an attorney.
What if I didn’t know the gun was in my car or house?
A key element of the charge is “knowing” possession. A defense for a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Chesterfield County can argue you lacked knowledge or control over the firearm. The prosecution must prove you knew of its presence and had the ability to control it.
Does a prior out-of-state felony conviction count?
Yes. If the conviction would be punishable as a felony under Virginia law, it qualifies as a prohibiting conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2.
What should I do if I’m charged as a felon with a firearm?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Immediately contact a firearm by felon lawyer Chesterfield County. The mandatory minimum sentence makes early legal intervention critical for exploring defenses, challenging evidence, and negotiating potential reductions.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County and Colonial Heights. If you are facing other charges, we are also a DUI lawyer in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.