Concealed Firearm Defense Lawyer Prince William County, VA
A concealed firearm charge in Prince William County can expose you to severe penalties under Virginia law. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑308 (verified), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is prosecuted in the Prince William County General District Court for a misdemeanor or in the Prince William County Circuit Court for a felony. A conviction may mean jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record that affects employment, housing, and firearm rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing these charges. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Concealed Firearm Defense Means in Prince William County
Prince William County is part of Virginia’s Thirty‑first Judicial District. Misdemeanor concealed‑weapon cases are heard in the General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia 20110, while felony matters proceed to the Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these offenses, and the court applies the penalties set out in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.
A person charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a valid concealed handgun permit faces a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense; a second or subsequent offense is a Class 6 felony. The statute also covers possession of certain prohibited weapons and carrying a firearm in a prohibited location. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. Early evaluation of the Commonwealth’s evidence and the circumstances of the stop can affect the outcome.
Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) and a Class 6 felony for a second or subsequent offense (1 to 5 years in prison).
Source: Va. Code § 18.2‑308 (verified). Virginia Code § 18.2‑308
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Concealed Firearm Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review every aspect of the prosecution’s case. They examine the traffic stop or police encounter that led to the charge, looking for issues with probable cause, search‑and‑seizure compliance, and witness statements. In Virginia, a firearm is “concealed” if it is hidden from common observation; whether a particular carry method satisfies that definition is often a central question. The team also checks the validity of any concealed handgun permit and whether the location where the firearm was carried falls within a statutory exception.
When a charge cannot be dismissed, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with the prosecutor to explore resolutions that minimize the long‑term impact. For eligible defendants, the firm pursues deferred‑disposition programs under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 or other first‑offender dispositions that can lead to a dismissal after probation. If the case proceeds to trial, the defense team is prepared to challenge the evidence, cross‑examine witnesses, and present a thorough defense in the General District Court or Circuit Court.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel are engaged through Excella, each bringing years of courtroom experience. Collectively, they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a concealed firearm charge in Prince William County?
A first offense of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2‑308 (verified), punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second or subsequent offense is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison. Cases are prosecuted in the Prince William County General District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony). Early review of the charge can help identify defenses and potential alternative resolutions. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
How does a defense lawyer challenge a concealed firearm charge in Virginia?
Defense strategies often begin with the stop that led to the charge. An experienced attorney examines whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to conduct a stop and whether the search was lawful. The defense may also challenge whether the firearm was actually “concealed” as defined by Virginia case law, verify the existence or validity of a concealed handgun permit, or argue that the location where the weapon was carried falls under a statutory exception. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can a concealed firearm charge affect my right to own a gun?
Yes. A conviction for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, even a misdemeanor, can have collateral consequences. Under federal law, certain misdemeanor convictions can trigger firearm disabilities, and a felony conviction results in a permanent loss of the right to possess firearms. Additionally, a criminal record may affect professional licenses, employment, and immigration status. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am stopped and accused of carrying a concealed firearm?
Remain calm and do not resist. Politely provide your identification and any permit you possess. Do not consent to a search of your person or vehicle. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Exercise that right by stating that you wish to speak with counsel. Any statements you make can be used against you, so it is best to wait until you have legal advice. To schedule a consultation, call our firm at (888) 437‑7747.
Do first‑time offenders have any options to avoid a permanent record?
Virginia law provides first‑offender disposition programs that may be available in certain concealed‑weapon cases. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, a court may defer proceedings and place the defendant on probation. If the defendant completes the terms, the court may dismiss the charge. Eligibility depends on the specific facts of the case and any prior record. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a concealed firearm case in Prince William County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who understands how Virginia prosecutors build cases, and his Of Counsel include attorneys with extensive criminal‑defense experience. The firm appears in Prince William County courts regularly and works to identify constitutional challenges, negotiate fair resolutions, and, when necessary, try cases. To discuss your matter, call (888) 437‑7747.
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) ·
SCC business entity filings ·
Virginia Courts
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Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Last reviewed: June 2026