Concealed Weapon Lawyer Henrico County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carrying a concealed weapon in Henrico County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-308, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these charges at Henrico County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Carrying Concealed Weapons
Virginia law strictly prohibits carrying any hidden weapon, including firearms, knives, or other dangerous items, about your person. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-308. A conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but penalties escalate for subsequent offenses or if the weapon is possessed by a convicted felon. The law provides specific exceptions, such as for valid permit holders, but the burden is often on the defendant to prove an exception applies. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how prosecutors in Henrico County approach these cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review Va. Code § 18.2-308 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Henrico County can be found at the Henrico County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Concealed Weapon Charge
In Henrico County, a concealed carry violation lawyer Henrico County must handle specific local procedures. The Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road handles all initial hearings. Prosecutors here often seek the maximum penalty for a first offense if the circumstances appear aggressive. A strong defense requires immediate action to challenge the legality of the stop or search that led to the discovery of the weapon.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will file a motion for discovery to review the prosecution’s evidence.
- A key defense strategy is to file a motion to suppress evidence if the search was unlawful.
- Evaluate the possibility of demonstrating you fall under a statutory exception to the law.
- Prepare for trial in Henrico County General District Court, where the case will be heard by a judge.
- If convicted, your attorney can argue for minimized penalties at sentencing.
Potential Penalties for a Concealed Weapon Conviction
In Henrico County, a concealed weapon conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-308 carries severe penalties that impact your freedom, finances, and future.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of right to carry | Permanent criminal record |
| Subsequent Offense | Class 6 Felony | 1 to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Felony record, prison time |
| Possession by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Separate felony charge |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing unique insight into how the other side builds its case. We understand that a weapons charge can derail your life, and we fight to protect your rights and 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
Documented Case Results in Henrico County
Our firm has a history of achieving positive results for clients in Henrico County courts. In one case, a charge for carrying a concealed weapon was dismissed after our attorney successfully argued that the traffic stop skilled to the discovery was without probable cause. In another, a felony charge for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon was reduced to a misdemeanor through negotiated plea, avoiding a mandatory prison sentence. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex weapons cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally handles intricate legal challenges.
Concealed Weapon Defense Near Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need a weapons charge defense lawyer Henrico County, we serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — with meetings by appointment only at our Richmond office.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a concealed weapon charge in Henrico County?
A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, 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.
Can I get a concealed weapon charge expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia law allows expungement only if the charge results in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi (dropped by prosecutor). A conviction for carrying a concealed weapon cannot be expunged from your record.
Do I need a lawyer for a concealed weapon charge?
Yes. The penalties are severe and include jail time. A lawyer can challenge the evidence, argue for exceptions, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
What are common defenses to a concealed weapon charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the police stop or search, proving you had a valid concealed handgun permit, or demonstrating the item was not “hidden” as defined by law. Each case is fact-specific.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for this charge?
All misdemeanor concealed weapon trials are held in Henrico County General District Court before a judge. If you are charged with a felony (e.g., second offense), your case will begin in GDC for a preliminary hearing before moving to Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Henrico County DUI Lawyer or Henrico County Family Lawyer.
Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current guidance applicable to your situation.