Firearm by Felon Lawyer Woodstock, VA

Last reviewed: June 2026

A firearm by felon charge in Woodstock, Virginia, brings serious criminal exposure and potential long-term consequences. Under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, it is a Class 6 felony for a convicted felon to knowingly possess a firearm. If you are facing such a charge in Shenandoah County, the case will move through the Woodstock General District Court for a preliminary hearing and, if the charge is certified, to the Woodstock Circuit Court for trial. The penalties can include imprisonment, fines, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and civil rights. Early legal guidance is important. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive criminal-defense experience to clients in Woodstock and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What Firearm by Felon Means in Woodstock

Firearm by felon is a specific charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2. It makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to knowingly and intentionally possess or transport a firearm. The charge is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of up to $2,500. In Woodstock, these cases begin in the Shenandoah County General District Court at 112 S. Main Street, where a preliminary hearing is held to determine whether there is probable cause. If the charge is certified, it proceeds to the Shenandoah County Circuit Court for trial or resolution.

Beyond the criminal penalties, a conviction carries the loss of the right to possess firearms, potential difficulties with employment and professional licensing, and—for non-citizens—possible immigration consequences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases vigorously across the Twenty-Sixth Judicial District. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for individuals facing firearm by felon allegations in Woodstock, Edinburg, Strasburg, Mount Jackson, and throughout Shenandoah County. Our firm appears regularly in the local district and circuit courts and understands the expectations of the bench and the prosecution.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Firearm by Felon Cases

When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a firearm by felon charge in Woodstock, we begin by reviewing the arrest, the evidence, and the prior felony record. Our approach is to identify every procedural and factual issue that may affect the case—whether that means challenging the legality of a traffic stop or search, examining whether the state can prove the defendant knew the item was a firearm, or exploring whether the underlying felony conviction has been restored by the governor’s office.

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel bring a thorough understanding of how the Commonwealth constructs its criminal cases. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law-enforcement experience, which provides valuable insight into police procedures, investigative techniques, and potential weaknesses in the evidence. We work to negotiate with prosecutors when a resolution is appropriate and to mount a vigorous defense at trial when the facts warrant. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed of every development and help them weigh the risks of trial against any plea offer. Every case is different, and we handle each one with care and thorough preparation.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His practice focuses on criminal defense, and he personally guides the strategy in serious felony matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who collectively bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who now applies his knowledge of police tactics and investigation standards to criminal defense, as well as other attorneys with extensive backgrounds in trial advocacy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented more than 4,739 case results. Results may vary. They serve clients throughout Virginia from the firm’s Woodstock location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a firearm by felon charge in Woodstock, Virginia?

Yes, legal representation is strongly recommended for a firearm by felon charge in Virginia because it is a felony with significant potential penalties and long-term consequences. A conviction can lead to a prison sentence, fines, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and gun rights. An experienced defense lawyer can examine the evidence, identify procedural defenses, negotiate with the prosecutor, and guide you through the Shenandoah County court process. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is the penalty for firearm by felon in Virginia?

In Virginia, firearm by felon is a Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,500. The sentence may include mandatory minimum time if the prior felony was a violent offense. The court also imposes court costs and may order forfeiture of the firearm. Because every case is different, the actual sentence depends on the facts and the defendant’s record. Results may vary.

How can a lawyer defend against a firearm by felon charge?

An attorney can challenge the evidence, argue the defendant did not knowingly possess a firearm, or show that the search or seizure was unlawful. Other defenses may include questioning whether the prior conviction qualifies as a felony, demonstrating that the item was not a firearm under the statute, or presenting mitigating circumstances to seek a reduced charge or sentence. The specific strategy depends on the details of the case.

What should I do if I am arrested for firearm by felon in Shenandoah County?

If you are arrested, you should remain silent, ask to speak with an attorney, and not discuss the case with anyone else. Do not consent to any search or make statements to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Preserve any documents or evidence that may help your defense. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin building your case.

Can a firearm by felon charge be expunged in Virginia?

Expungement is generally available only when the charge ends in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal. If you are convicted, the record cannot be expunged under current Virginia law. However, some convictions may be eligible for sealing under Virginia’s 2021 record-sealing framework once it is fully implemented. An attorney can explain your options for addressing a criminal record.

How does a firearm by felon case proceed in Woodstock courts?

The case begins with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. A preliminary hearing is then scheduled in the Shenandoah County General District Court, where a judge decides whether the Commonwealth has probable cause. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Shenandoah County Circuit Court for trial or a plea. The timeline varies, but the process involves multiple court appearances over several months.

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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.