Gun Crime Lawyer James City County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A gun charge in James City County carries serious penalties under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (possession of firearm by felon) and § 18.2-308.4 (possession on school property). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County. A Gun Crime Lawyer James City County can help you understand your rights.
Statutory Definition of Gun Crimes in Virginia
Virginia law defines several categories of gun crimes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. Under § 18.2-308.4, possessing a firearm on school property is a Class 6 felony. Other gun charges include carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308.01) and brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282). A firearms offense defense lawyer James City County must understand these specific statutes to build a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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Insider Procedural Edge
In James City County, the General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony gun charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. A gun charge defense lawyer James City County should know that first-offender programs may be available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for certain charges.
- Step 1: Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer James City County immediately after arrest.
- Step 2: Do not speak to police without your lawyer present.
- Step 3: Your lawyer will review the evidence and challenge any illegal search or seizure.
- Step 4: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a favorable resolution.
- Step 5: If necessary, your lawyer will prepare for trial in General District Court or Circuit Court.
Penalty Table for Gun Crimes in James City County
In James City County, gun crimes carry penalties ranging from Class 1 misdemeanor to Class 6 felony, with incarceration up to 5 years and fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of firearm by felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Possession on school property (§ 18.2-308.4) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Carrying concealed weapon (§ 18.2-308.01) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Secondary Attorney: Kristen M. Fisher is Of Counsel and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. She handles criminal defense cases in Virginia and Maryland. She joined the firm in 2010 and has extensive trial experience.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas in James City County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Gun Crime Lawyer James City County
Our Richmond Location serves clients at the James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188). We are accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199.
We serve the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crimes in James City County
What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon in James City County?
Yes, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-308.01. It carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Cases are heard at Williamsburg/James City County GDC.
Can a felon ever own a gun in Virginia?
No, under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, a person convicted of a felony cannot possess a firearm. There is no exception for restoration of rights in Virginia. A Gun Crime Lawyer James City County can explain limited options.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for gun charges?
James City County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony gun charges. James City County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Can a gun charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in James City County?
It depends. Some gun charges like brandishing (§ 18.2-282) are already misdemeanors. Felony gun charges may be reduced through plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. A firearms offense defense lawyer James City County can negotiate on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time gun offense in James City County?
Yes. Even a first-time gun offense can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. A gun charge defense lawyer James City County can help you explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
Related Resources
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.