In Manassas, a firearm by felon charge under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 carries up to 5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas can challenge unlawful possession allegations and prior conviction classifications.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2 makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The law applies to all felonies, including non-violent offenses. A conviction under this statute is a Class 6 felony, carrying a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison. The prosecution must prove you knew you were a felon and that you knowingly possessed the firearm. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas examines whether the prior conviction qualifies as a predicate offense and whether the possession was truly knowing.
For the full statutory language, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Manassas General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Manassas Circuit Court for felony trials.
In Manassas General District Court, the Commonwealth must prove the defendant knew they were a felon at the time of possession. The court routinely reviews the underlying felony conviction to determine if it qualifies under § 18.2-308.2. A key procedural edge is challenging the legality of the search or seizure that led to the firearm discovery.
- Step 1: Retain a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas immediately after arrest or charge.
- Step 2: The attorney reviews the prior felony conviction to determine if it qualifies under the statute.
- Step 3: File a motion to suppress evidence if the firearm was discovered through an unlawful search.
- Step 4: Challenge the prosecution’s evidence of knowing possession.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the Commonwealth for a reduction to a misdemeanor or deferred disposition.
- Step 6: Prepare for preliminary hearing in Manassas General District Court or trial in Circuit Court.
In Manassas, a firearm by felon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years if the firearm was used in a violent felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm by Felon (standard) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Federal charges possible; loss of voting rights |
| Firearm by Felon (violent felony) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Federal charges possible; enhanced sentencing |
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s criminal defense team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds firearm possession cases.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These include reductions from felony to misdemeanor, dismissals, and deferred dispositions in firearm-related cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234.
Looking for a felon with firearm defense lawyer Manassas or a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Manassas? We serve Manassas and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Q: Can a firearm by felon charge be reduced in Manassas?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, first offenders may qualify for deferred disposition. Successful completion results in dismissal. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas can negotiate with the Commonwealth for this option if the underlying felony is non-violent.
Q: What is the penalty for a firearm by felon in Manassas?
It depends. A standard conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. If the firearm was used in a violent felony, a mandatory minimum of 5 years applies. Fines up to $2,500.
Q: Does a prior felony automatically mean a firearm by felon conviction?
No. The prosecution must prove you knew you were a felon and knowingly possessed the firearm. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas can challenge whether the prior conviction qualifies under the statute and whether the possession was truly knowing.
Q: Can I get my firearm rights restored after a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows restoration of firearm rights through a petition in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. The process requires a waiting period and a showing of good cause. A Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas can guide you through this process.
Q: What should I do if stopped with a firearm as a felon in Manassas?
Remain silent and do not consent to any search. Immediately contact a Firearm by Felon Lawyer Manassas. Do not answer questions about your criminal history or the firearm. The attorney can challenge the legality of the stop and any subsequent search.
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.