In Chesapeake, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesapeake provides case-specific defense strategies. Contact us 24/7.
Chesapeake Firearm by Felon Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
What Is a Firearm by Felon Charge in Chesapeake?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess a firearm. This is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five years if the prior felony was a violent felony as defined in § 18.2-308.2(A). The charge applies to any firearm, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The prosecution must prove you knew you possessed the weapon and that you had a prior felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled these cases since 1997. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm and brings insider knowledge to every defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources for Chesapeake Firearm by Felon Cases
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia Legislative Information System). The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local court information, including docket schedules and procedural rules.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Chesapeake Court
Chesapeake General District Court handles the preliminary hearing for felony firearm charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases aggressively. Your first appearance occurs at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
- Step 1: Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Step 2: Preliminary hearing in Chesapeake General District Court within 21-60 days.
- Step 3: Indictment by grand jury if probable cause is found.
- Step 4: Arraignment in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Step 5: Discovery, motions, and plea negotiations.
- Step 6: Trial or plea hearing in Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, a firearm by felon conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years for violent prior felonies, up to 10 years maximum.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (non-violent prior) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights |
| Firearm by Felon (violent prior) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; federal firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Chesapeake Firearm by Felon Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
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
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees all Chesapeake firearm by felon cases. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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.
Our Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). The court is accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesapeake — serving 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 Firearm by Felon Charges in Chesapeake
Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced in Chesapeake?
Yes. In some cases, the charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations or if the firearm was not actually possessed. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesapeake can evaluate your case for reduction opportunities.
What is the mandatory minimum sentence for firearm by felon in Chesapeake?
Five years if the prior felony was a violent felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(A). For non-violent prior felonies, the sentence ranges from 1-5 years with no mandatory minimum.
How long does a firearm by felon case take in Chesapeake?
A typical case takes 3-9 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days, and the Circuit Court trial follows within 3-9 months.
Do I need a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesapeake?
Yes. A firearm by felon charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. An experienced lawyer can challenge the legality of the search, the knowledge element, and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal.
Can I get my firearm rights restored after a conviction in Chesapeake?
It depends. Virginia allows restoration of firearm rights through a governor’s pardon or circuit court petition under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Chesapeake can guide you through this process.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesapeake DUI Lawyer
- Chesapeake Reckless Driving Lawyer
- Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.