Concealed Firearm Defense Lawyer Goochland County, VA
Facing a charge for carrying a concealed firearm without a permit in Goochland County, Virginia, is a serious
criminal matter. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308, a first‑offense violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to
12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second or subsequent offense can be charged as a Class 6 felony. These
charges are heard in the Goochland County General District Court, and a conviction can create a permanent
criminal record, restrict your right to possess firearms, and affect employment and housing opportunities.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals accused of concealed‑firearm
offenses throughout Goochland County, including the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville.
To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding a Concealed Firearm Charge in Goochland County
Virginia’s concealed‑weapon statute, Va. Code § 18.2‑308, makes it unlawful to carry “about his person” a
firearm or other prohibited weapon hidden from common observation. The law allows an exception for holders of a
valid Virginia concealed handgun permit under § 18.2‑308.02. Whether a weapon is considered “concealed” often
turns on how visible it is to ordinary observation and the specific facts of the stop or encounter that led
to the charge.
In Goochland County, concealed‑firearm charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated
in the Goochland County General District Court, located at 2938 River Road West, Bldg G, Goochland, VA 23063.
Misdemeanor cases are tried in the General District Court; felony cases proceed to the Goochland County Circuit
Court. Our Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond,
VA 23225 serves clients at these courts. We are available by appointment—call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.
Goochland County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Claiborne H. Stokes Jr..
Court hours: Mon‑Fri 8:00AM‑4:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
How Our Firm Handles Concealed Weapon Cases
When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a defense strategy is built around the specific facts of your
arrest. Our team examines whether the officer had lawful grounds for the stop, whether the weapon was truly
“concealed” as the statute defines it, and whether any permit exception applies. We scrutinize the handling
and chain of custody of any physical evidence. Where the evidence or police procedure reveals weaknesses, we
challenge the admissibility of evidence through pre‑trial motions.
Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives the team insight into how the Commonwealth builds its
case. Additionally, one Of Counsel on our team served as a Virginia State Trooper for 15 years before
becoming an attorney, providing firsthand knowledge of how traffic stops and weapons investigations are
conducted. This combined perspective allows us to identify procedural missteps and to negotiate with
prosecutors from an informed position. We work toward outcomes such as dismissal, amendment to a lesser
charge, or, when appropriate, a favorable disposition through a deferred‑finding program where available
under Virginia law. Every case is guided by the principle of protecting your rights, your record, and
your firearm privileges.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former
prosecutor who brings extensive trial experience to the defense of individuals charged with criminal
offenses. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New
York. His career has focused on protecting the rights of the accused through diligent preparation and
courtroom advocacy.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—experienced lawyers who bring varied backgrounds
to the firm. Several have prosecutorial or law enforcement experience, including a former Virginia State
Trooper who now devotes his practice to criminal defense. The team operates collaboratively, drawing on
over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties apply to carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Virginia?
A first offense of carrying a concealed weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in
jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both (Va. Code § 18.2‑308). A second or subsequent offense can be charged
as a Class 6 felony, which carries a possible prison sentence of one to five years, or up to 12 months in
jail at the jury’s discretion. Conviction also results in a permanent criminal record and can permanently
disqualify you from possessing a firearm under federal law.
Can a concealed weapon charge be expunged in Goochland County?
Virginia allows expungement only when a charge ends in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or an outright
dismissal (Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2). A conviction cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the
Goochland County Circuit Court. If you are eligible, an attorney can help you prepare and file the
expungement petition and represent you at the hearing. Call (888) 437‑7747 to discuss whether your
case qualifies.
What should I do if I am arrested for carrying a concealed firearm in Goochland County?
Remain calm and do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. You have the right
to ask to speak with an attorney. Do not make statements to law enforcement beyond identifying yourself.
Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and
your rights can be asserted at the earliest stage. Call (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
How does bail work for a concealed weapon charge in Goochland County?
A magistrate sets bail soon after arrest. For a first‑offense misdemeanor concealed‑weapon charge,
personal recognizance (no payment required) is common. For a felony charge, a secured bond (typically
requiring a bail bondsman’s fee) is more likely. Bail can be appealed to the Goochland County General
District Court if the initial bond is excessive.
Do I need a lawyer for a concealed firearm charge?
Yes. A concealed‑weapon charge is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and a lasting
record. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the stop or search was lawful, challenge the
prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate for a dismissal or reduction. Without counsel, you risk
unnecessary consequences that can follow you for years. For a consultation, reach our firm at
(888) 437‑7747.
How can a lawyer challenge a concealed firearm charge in Virginia?
Defense strategies may include contesting whether the weapon was truly “concealed” under the statute,
asserting that the defendant held a valid concealed handgun permit, or challenging the legality of the
stop and any search that uncovered the weapon. A thorough review of the police report and any
body‑camera footage often reveals procedural mistakes that can be used to weaken the prosecution’s
case. Every case requires a fact‑specific analysis; contact our firm to discuss your situation.
See also:
Criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County
· Criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County
· Criminal defense lawyer in Loudoun County
· Criminal defense lawyer in Manassas
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.