Concealed Weapon Lawyer Falls Church, VA

If you are facing a concealed weapon charge in Falls Church, Virginia, the potential consequences are serious. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308 can mean jail time, a permanent criminal record, and loss of firearm rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on representing individuals charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in the Falls Church General District Court and Circuit Court, and they are prepared to build a defense that protects your freedom and your record. To request a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What a Concealed Weapon Charge Means in Falls Church

In Falls Church, a concealed weapon offense is prosecuted under Virginia Code § 18.2-308. The statute makes it unlawful to carry a firearm or certain other weapons hidden from common observation about your person without a valid permit. A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony. The charging decision and the sentencing exposure depend on the specific allegations, your criminal record, and whether a valid concealed handgun permit existed at the time of the alleged violation.

Because Falls Church is an independent city, a concealed weapon case typically begins in the Falls Church General District Court, located at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings are held in that court; felony trials are heard in the Falls Church Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church prosecutes these matters. Understanding how the local prosecutor’s office handles charging and amendment decisions is critical to a successful defense strategy. Our firm regularly appears in these courts and works to resolve concealed weapon charges favorably.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Concealed Weapon Cases

Defending a concealed weapon charge requires a thorough review of the traffic stop, arrest, or encounter that led to the charge. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine every aspect of the case: whether law enforcement had a lawful basis to initiate the stop, whether any search was constitutionally permissible, and whether the weapon was truly concealed within the meaning of the statute. They also look for valid defenses such as possession of a valid concealed handgun permit, carrying the weapon in a secured container, or other statutory exceptions.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper with over 15 years of law enforcement experience. That background provides a critical inside view of how police investigations are conducted and where procedural missteps may occur. When weaknesses in the prosecution’s case are identified, the firm works to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office to seek a charge reduction, an amendment to a non-weapons offense, or a complete dismissal. If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare a vigorous courtroom defense.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice concentrates on serious criminal matters, including weapons offenses.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience that benefits every concealed weapon case. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands how police officers are trained to detect concealed weapons, and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who knows how prosecutors evaluate these charges. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled a wide range of criminal defense matters across Virginia, and they are ready to put that experience to work for you. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Falls Church, Virginia?

Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Falls Church is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second offense is a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent offense is a Class 5 felony. The court also has the authority to impose probation, suspend jail time with conditions, and require community service. Beyond the immediate penalties, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Can I get a concealed handgun permit in Virginia?

Virginia issues a concealed handgun permit (CHP) to eligible residents who meet statutory requirements under Va. Code § 18.2-308.02. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, demonstrate firearm competency through an approved training course, and be legally permitted to possess a firearm. A valid permit is a complete defense to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, provided the weapon was carried in conformity with permit conditions. If you are charged without a permit but had one in effect at the time of the incident, that should be raised immediately.

What defenses are available against a concealed weapon charge?

Several legal defenses may apply, including possessing a valid concealed handgun permit, the weapon not being concealed in the legal sense, or the search that discovered the weapon being unlawful. The definition of “concealed” under Virginia law has been refined in case law; a weapon must be hidden from common observation. Other defenses include factual innocence or misidentification. An experienced attorney evaluates the facts of the stop and arrest, examines whether the officer’s actions complied with the Fourth Amendment, and develops the most suitable defense strategy. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss the details of your case.

Will a concealed weapon conviction affect my right to own a firearm?

A felony concealed weapon conviction will result in the permanent loss of firearm rights under both Virginia and federal law. A first-offense misdemeanor does not automatically trigger the federal firearm disability under 18 U.S.C. § 922, but a second offense, as a felony, does. Even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your ability to hold certain professional licenses or security clearances. The trusted way to protect your rights is to mount a strong defense from the outset. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in Falls Church?

If you are arrested, exercise your right to remain silent, do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Avoid making any statements to police until counsel is present. Early involvement of an attorney can influence charging decisions, bond conditions, and the direction of the investigation. The firm is available to speak with you at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court process work for a concealed weapon case in Falls Church?

A concealed weapon charge typically begins with an arrest and booking, followed by a first appearance before a magistrate who sets bond. If the charge is a misdemeanor, the case proceeds to the Falls Church General District Court for arraignment and trial. The court schedules the trial on its calendar, and the duration of the proceedings varies by case complexity. If the charge is a felony, a preliminary hearing is held in the General District Court, and if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. A defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court. Throughout the process, your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions, and represent you at every hearing.

Can a concealed weapon charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, it is possible for a concealed weapon charge to be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely, depending on the strength of the evidence and the skill of your defense. For instance, if the weapon was not legally concealed, the charge may be dismissed. In some cases, the prosecutor may agree to amend the charge to a non-criminal infraction, such as a traffic violation. The firm’s attorneys routinely negotiate with Falls Church prosecutors to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.

Do I need a lawyer for a concealed weapon charge in Falls Church?

Yes, because a conviction carries the risk of jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of firearm rights, retaining an experienced concealed weapon defense lawyer is critical. An attorney can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or physical evidence, and advise you on the trusted course of action. Attempting to handle the case alone risks waiving important rights. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.

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