Concealed Weapon Lawyer Prince William County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carrying a concealed weapon in Prince William County without a valid permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-308, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for concealed carry violations and weapons charges at the Prince William County General District Court.
Virginia Law on Concealed Weapons
Virginia law strictly regulates the carrying of concealed weapons. A concealed weapon is any firearm or other weapon designed to shoot or stab, including knives, dirks, and razors, that is hidden from common observation. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-308. To carry a concealed weapon legally, you must possess a valid permit issued by a Virginia circuit court. Exceptions exist for certain individuals, like law enforcement officers, and for weapons kept in a secured container or compartment in a vehicle.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s concealed weapons law, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-308 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information and procedures can be found on the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process for Weapons Charges
Concealed weapon charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The court handles all misdemeanor trials. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and can result in the loss of your right to possess firearms. Prosecutors often seek jail time for these offenses, especially if there are aggravating factors.
- You will be issued a summons or arrested and taken before a magistrate.
- Your first court date is an arraignment where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions, including motions to suppress evidence if the weapon was found during an unlawful search.
- If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court.
- You have an absolute right to appeal a conviction to the Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Weapons Charges
In Prince William County, a concealed weapon violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | 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 firearm rights | Permanent criminal record |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (Subsequent) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Felony record |
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory minimum 2 years | Up to $2,500 | N/A | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. We have specific experience defending clients in Prince William County courts. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, Bryan Block, whose 15 years of law enforcement experience provides a unique advantage in analyzing police procedures and challenging the evidence in weapons cases.
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
Case Results
In Prince William County, our firm has 141 documented criminal case results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, and 1 other favorable outcome, representing a 98% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Concealed Weapon Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Prince William County courts. We are a trusted concealed weapon lawyer Prince William County near Manassas and Woodbridge. We serve the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a concealed weapon charge in Prince William County, Virginia?
A first-offense concealed weapon charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A subsequent offense is a Class 6 felony with 1-5 years in prison. You will also lose your right to possess firearms.
Can I get a concealed weapon charge expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement only for charges that resulted in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi (dropped by prosecutor). A conviction for a concealed weapon violation cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the Prince William County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a concealed carry violation in Prince William County?
Yes. These charges are serious misdemeanors prosecuted at the Prince William County General District Court. A conviction means jail time, fines, and a permanent record. An experienced concealed carry violation lawyer Prince William County can challenge the stop, search, and evidence of concealment.
What’s the difference between a weapons charge and a concealed weapon charge?
A general weapons charge might involve illegal possession or brandishing. A concealed weapon charge specifically requires the weapon to be hidden from common observation. The defenses differ, which is why consulting a weapons charge defense lawyer Prince William County is important to identify the best strategy for your situation.
What are common defenses to a concealed weapon charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the police stop or search (Fourth Amendment), arguing the weapon was not “concealed” as defined by law, proving you had a valid permit, or demonstrating you fall under a statutory exception, such as having the weapon in a secured vehicle compartment.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Prince William County and reckless driving tickets. For more information on Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.