Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County — What Is Your Best Defense?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, a convicted felon possessing a firearm in Caroline County faces a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Caroline County: 5 dismissed/not guilty. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County builds a defense around exceptions or constitutional challenges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Caroline County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it a Class 6 felony for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess a firearm. The law applies to any firearm — handgun, rifle, or shotgun — and covers possession in any location, including your home or vehicle. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County examines whether the conviction underlying the charge qualifies as a predicate felony under the statute. Certain prior convictions, such as some drug offenses or non-violent felonies, may not trigger the prohibition. The statute also provides exceptions for antique firearms and for felons whose civil rights have been restored. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Caroline County reviews your criminal history to identify potential defenses.
Review the official statute at Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Caroline County General District Court website.
- Step 1: Obtain a copy of your prior conviction order from the sentencing court.
- Step 2: Determine whether the prior conviction is a qualifying predicate felony under § 18.2-308.2.
- Step 3: Identify any exceptions — such as antique firearms or restoration of civil rights.
- Step 4: File a motion to suppress if the firearm was found during an unlawful search.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or diversion.
- Step 6: Prepare for preliminary hearing in General District Court or trial in Circuit Court.
In Caroline County, a firearm by felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries a Class 6 felony penalty with 1-5 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent felony record; loss of firearm rights; federal prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds a firearm possession case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to influence Virginia law at the highest level. Our Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County team brings this depth of experience to every case.
Bryan Block — Of Counsel. Former Virginia State Trooper — 15 years of law enforcement service. J.D., University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law (2003). Bar admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Block’s firsthand knowledge of police procedures provides a unique advantage in challenging firearm possession evidence.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. J.D., Rutgers School of Law (2004). Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Ms. Fisher’s prosecutorial experience informs her defense strategy for firearm charges.
Matthew Greene — Of Counsel. 30+ years of experience. Formerly death penalty certified. 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria. Bar admissions: Virginia; District of Columbia.
In Caroline County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). These include a dismissed obtaining money by false pretense charge in Caroline County Circuit Court and a dismissed burning or destroying a building charge in the same court. A defective equipment charge in Caroline County General District Court was also dismissed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location is accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 207, serving clients at Caroline County courts (111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427).
Looking for a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County near you? We serve Bowling Green and Carmel Church.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a firearm by felon in Caroline County, Virginia?
Yes, a conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. The case is heard at Caroline County General District Court (111 Ennis Street, Bowling Green, VA 22427).
Can a firearm by felon charge be dismissed in Caroline County?
Yes, dismissal is possible if the prior conviction does not qualify as a predicate felony under § 18.2-308.2, or if the firearm was found during an unlawful search. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County can file a motion to suppress.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for a firearm by felon case?
Caroline County General District Court handles the preliminary hearing. Caroline County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Caroline County?
Yes, a Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison and creates a permanent felony record. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Caroline County can challenge the predicate felony or negotiate a reduction. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Can a firearm by felon charge be expunged in Caroline County?
No, Virginia does not allow expungement for felony convictions. Expungement is available only for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Caroline County can advise on alternatives.
How does bail work for a firearm by felon charge in Caroline County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Caroline County General District Court. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Caroline County can argue for personal recognizance.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.