Firearm by Felon Lawyer Rockingham County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. In Rockingham County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively in the Rockingham County Circuit Court. As a firearm by felon lawyer Rockingham County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person
Virginia law strictly prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from knowingly possessing, transporting, or carrying any firearm. This statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308.2, is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, with a maximum penalty of five years. The law applies regardless of where the prior felony conviction occurred, if it would be a felony under Virginia law. Restoration of firearm rights is a separate, complex legal process that requires a pardon or other specific relief.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court & Rockingham County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Potential Penalties for a Firearm by Felon Charge
In Rockingham County, a firearm by felon conviction is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum of two years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm Possession by Convicted Felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory Minimum 2 years, up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Felony criminal record, loss of voting rights (until restored), difficulty obtaining employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a firearm charge can upend your life, and we build a defense focused on protecting your future.
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
Building a Defense Strategy in Rockingham County
Every case requires a detailed, case-specific approach. Our defense may involve challenging whether you knowingly possessed the firearm, the legality of the search that discovered it, or the validity of the underlying felony conviction. In Rockingham County, these cases originate in the Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court for preliminary hearings but are tried in the Rockingham County Circuit Court. We work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case from the very beginning.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: We analyze the police report, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the arrest.
- Investigation & Motion Practice: We investigate the arrest details and may file motions to challenge evidence or procedural errors.
- Preliminary Hearing (GDC): We represent you at the General District Court hearing to challenge probable cause.
- Circuit Court Strategy: If the case proceeds, we develop a full defense strategy for Rockingham County Circuit Court, which may include negotiation or trial preparation.
- Resolution or Trial: We pursue the best possible outcome, whether through a negotiated agreement or by vigorously defending you at trial.
Local Representation for Rockingham County Residents
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Rockingham County courts. We are a firearm by felon defense lawyer Rockingham County residents can consult for strong local representation. We serve communities including Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Dayton, Elkton, Timberville, and Broadway.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Firearm by Felon Charges
What is the penalty for a felon with a firearm in Virginia?
It is a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2. The maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Can a prohibited person ever legally own a gun in Virginia?
It depends. A convicted felon’s firearm rights can only be restored through a pardon from the Governor or a specific court order restoring rights under Virginia law. This is a separate legal process from defending against a new charge and requires a prohibited person gun charge lawyer Rockingham County to handle.
What if I didn’t know the gun was in my car or house?
This can be a defense. The prosecution must prove you “knowingly” possessed the firearm. If you can show you were unaware of its presence, it may challenge the case. An experienced felon with firearm defense lawyer Rockingham County can investigate to support this claim.
Does a prior felony from another state count?
Yes. Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 applies if the out-of-state conviction would be punishable as a felony under Virginia law. The prosecution will obtain certified records of the prior conviction.
What should I do if I’m charged with firearm by felon?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Exercise your right to remain silent and call our firm at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation to protect your rights from the start.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.