A gun crime charge in Chesapeake carries penalties from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail) to a Class 6 felony (1-5 years) under Va. Code § 18.2-308. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer Chesapeake today.
Gun Crime Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Legal Options?
Understanding Gun Crime Laws in Chesapeake
Virginia law defines gun crimes under Title 18.2, including carrying a concealed weapon (Va. Code § 18.2-308), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 18.2-308.2), and brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282). A firearms offense defense lawyer Chesapeake understands these statutes carry serious consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney in Chesapeake prosecutes these cases aggressively. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Gun Crime Laws
- Va. Code § 18.2-308 et seq. (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Chesapeake General District Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: How Gun Crime Cases Work in Chesapeake
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor gun crime trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 307 Albemarle Drive processes cases quickly — typically 4-8 weeks from arraignment for misdemeanors.
Your gun charge defense lawyer Chesapeake must act fast to preserve your rights. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer Chesapeake immediately after arrest — do not speak to police without counsel.
- Step 2: Attend your initial appearance at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive) where bond is set.
- Step 3: Your attorney files pretrial motions, including suppression of evidence if your rights were violated.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a plea agreement or diversion program.
- Step 5: If no agreement, proceed to trial — bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Step 6: If convicted, your attorney can appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Gun Crimes in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, gun crimes carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 6 felony (1-5 years in prison).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (§ 18.2-308) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; firearm prohibition |
| Possession of Firearm by Felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Federal charges possible; loss of voting rights |
| Brandishing a Firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restraining order possible; firearm seizure |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Gun Crime Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our firearms offense defense lawyer Chesapeake team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case. We have 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
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 Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Gun Crime Lawyer Serving Chesapeake
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664.
Looking for a Gun Crime Lawyer Chesapeake near you? We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crimes in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon in Chesapeake?
Yes, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-308, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
Can a felon ever own a firearm in Virginia?
No, under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, convicted felons cannot possess firearms. Restoration of firearm rights requires a court petition or governor’s pardon. A Gun Crime Lawyer Chesapeake can explain your options.
What is the difference between brandishing and carrying a concealed weapon?
Brandishing (§ 18.2-282) involves pointing or showing a firearm in a threatening manner. Carrying concealed (§ 18.2-308) involves hiding a weapon on your person. Both are Class 1 misdemeanors in Chesapeake.
Can a gun charge be reduced to a lesser offense in Chesapeake?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce a felony gun charge to a misdemeanor if you have no prior record and the circumstances are mitigating. A gun charge defense lawyer Chesapeake can negotiate this.
How long does a gun crime case take in Chesapeake?
Misdemeanor gun cases in Chesapeake General District Court typically resolve in 4-8 weeks. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-9 months. Virginia speedy trial rights require trial within 5 months for misdemeanors and 9 months for felonies if incarcerated.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.