Gun Crime Lawyer Manassas Park — What Are Your Defense Options?
A gun crime charge in Manassas Park is a serious matter prosecuted under Virginia’s strict firearms laws. As a Class 1 misdemeanor or felony under Va. Code § 18.2-308, penalties include mandatory minimum prison sentences, permanent loss of firearm rights, and a lifelong criminal record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Gun Crime Laws and Penalties
Virginia categorizes firearms offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, with severe mandatory penalties. The primary statute governing unlawful possession is Va. Code § 18.2-308, which prohibits convicted felons from possessing any firearm. Other common charges include carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282), and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (§ 18.2-53.1), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas Park General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand that a gun charge can upend your life, affecting employment, housing, and family. Our approach is to scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s case, from the legality of the search and seizure to the chain of custody of the evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-308 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information for Manassas Park cases can be found on the Manassas Park General District Court website.
Defending a Gun Charge in Manassas Park Court
Manassas Park General District Court handles all misdemeanor gun charges and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. A key local procedural fact is that Virginia has mandatory minimum sentences for many firearms offenses, leaving judges little discretion at sentencing if you are convicted. Therefore, the defense must focus on challenging the charge itself before trial.
- Case Evaluation: Immediately after arrest, we review the police report, witness statements, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Motion to Suppress: If the gun was found during an illegal search, we file a motion to have the evidence thrown out, which often leads to a case dismissal.
- Negotiation: We engage with the prosecutor to seek a reduction of charges, such as from a felony to a misdemeanor, or to a non-firearms offense.
- Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses.
Potential Penalties for Firearms Offenses
In Manassas Park, a gun crime can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail to a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison, plus mandatory minimums and permanent loss of firearm rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (Mandatory min. may apply) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (without permit) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of Concealed Carry Permit eligibility | Misdemeanor record |
| Brandishing a Firearm | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible loss of firearm rights | Misdemeanor record |
| Use of Firearm in Commission of Felony | Separate Felony | Mandatory 3-year minimum (consecutive) | N/A | Permanent loss of firearm rights | Enhanced penalty on top of underlying felony |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearms Offense Defense
With a founding date of 1997 and a team that includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique perspective to your firearms offense defense lawyer Manassas Park needs. Bryan Block’s 15 years as a State Trooper provide an insider’s understanding of police investigation tactics and report writing, which is invaluable for building a defense. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results.
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
While we maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, we also have specific experience relevant to gun crime defense. For example, our team has successfully argued bond motions in serious cases and negotiated favorable dispositions. In one instance, attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland prosecutor, secured a favorable result in a complex case. Results may vary.
Gun Crime Defense Serving Manassas Park
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients at the Manassas Park General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue). We are your local gun charge defense lawyer Manassas Park near Signal Hill Park and the Manassas VRE station, serving the Manassas Park community.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m arrested for a gun crime in Manassas Park?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you have spoken with your attorney. Contact a gun crime lawyer Manassas Park from our firm at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 assistance.
Can I get a concealed carry permit after a gun charge?
It depends. A misdemeanor conviction may result in a temporary disqualification, while a felony conviction leads to a permanent ban. An experienced firearms offense defense lawyer Manassas Park can advise on your specific situation and potential for restoration of rights.
What are common defenses to gun charges?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), proving you were not in possession of the firearm, establishing that you have a valid concealed carry permit, or arguing mistaken identity. The right defense depends entirely on the facts of your case.
What’s the difference between state and federal gun charges?
State charges are prosecuted in Virginia courts like Manassas Park GDC under Va. Code. Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in federal court under U.S. Code, often for crimes involving interstate commerce, drug trafficking, or prior felonies, and carry typically longer sentences.
How long does a gun crime case take?
A misdemeanor case in Manassas Park General District Court may be resolved in 2-4 months. A felony case, which starts in GDC and moves to Circuit Court for trial, can take 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity and motions filed.
For more information on related legal matters in our area, see our pages on Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax and DUI Lawyer Manassas Park. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.