Gun Crime Lawyer Lexington — What Are Your Defense Options?
A gun charge in Lexington, Virginia, is a serious matter prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail) to a Class 6 felony (1-5 years). As a dedicated gun crime lawyer Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Gun Crime Laws and Penalties
Virginia law strictly regulates the possession, use, and carrying of firearms. Common charges include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), and brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282). The severity of the charge depends on factors like the defendant’s criminal history, the location of the offense (e.g., near a school), and the manner of use.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand that a gun charge can threaten your freedom, your right to own firearms, and your future.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s firearms statutes, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website (Title 18.2, Chapter 7). Court procedures and local rules for Lexington cases are available through the Lexington General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Lexington Gun Charges
Gun charges in Lexington begin with an arrest or summons. Misdemeanor charges are tried in Lexington General District Court, while felonies start with a preliminary hearing there before potentially moving to Lexington Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. A strong argument for personal recognizance or reasonable secured bond is the first defense step.
- Case Review & Discovery: Your attorney obtains all police reports, witness statements, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the legality of a search can lead to charge reduction or dismissal.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor for a favorable plea or prepares a vigorous defense for trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, advocating for minimal penalties is essential. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Firearms Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, gun crime penalties vary widely: a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison.
| Offense (Sample) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of concealed carry permit; possible driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; firearm possession rights forfeited |
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Permanent felony record; loss of voting rights; difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Brandishing a Firearm | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; protective orders may be issued |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Lexington Gun Charge Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has a track record of over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach combines deep knowledge of Virginia’s complex gun laws with practical insight into Lexington court procedures. Mr. Sris, our founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia law (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating our firm’s capability to engage with the legal system at the highest levels.
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
Documented Case Experience
In Lexington, we have 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our firm’s extensive history includes favorable resolutions in various firearms-related matters. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Gun Crime Lawyer Near Lexington, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts on South Main Street. We are accessible via I-64 and I-81 and serve the Lexington community. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Gun Crime Defense FAQs for Lexington, VA
What should I do if I’m arrested on a gun charge in Lexington?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you speak with your attorney. Contact a gun crime lawyer Lexington as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I get a gun charge expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement only for acquittals, dismissals, or cases where the prosecutor enters a nolle prosequi (Va. Code § 19.2-392.2). Most convictions, including for gun crimes, cannot be expunged. A firearms offense defense lawyer Lexington can review your specific case outcome to determine eligibility.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and felony gun charge?
The key difference is potential prison time. A misdemeanor like first-offense concealed carry has a maximum jail sentence of 12 months. A felony, like possession by a convicted felon, carries a potential state prison sentence of one year or more, with much more severe long-term consequences.
Do I have a right to a jury trial for a gun charge?
Yes. For any charge carrying potential jail time, you have an absolute right to a jury trial. Misdemeanor trials are heard in General District Court by a judge. You can appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
What are common defenses to gun charges?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that found the weapon, proving lack of knowledge or possession, asserting self-defense, or demonstrating that the firearm was inoperable. The right defense depends entirely on the facts of your case.
If you are facing a firearms charge in Lexington, do not wait. The prosecution begins building its case immediately. Contact a skilled gun crime lawyer Lexington at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation to discuss your defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.