Concealed Weapon Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
A concealed weapon charge in King William County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-308, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in King William County.
Virginia Concealed Weapon Law
Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-308, defines a concealed weapon as any weapon hidden from common observation, including handguns, knives, and other dangerous instruments. A conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and the loss of your right to possess firearms. Defenses may include having a valid concealed handgun permit, the weapon being in a secured container, or lack of knowledge of the weapon’s presence.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-308 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found on the King William County General District Court website.
Defending Weapons Charges in King William County
Prosecutors in King William County General District Court take weapons charges seriously. A strong defense often involves challenging the legality of the search or seizure that discovered the weapon. If evidence was obtained without probable cause or a proper warrant, it may be suppressed. We also examine whether the item qualifies as a “weapon” under the statute and if it was truly “concealed.” For those with a valid permit, proving its validity is key.
If you are charged, here is the general process:
- Arraignment: You will appear in King William County General District Court to hear the formal charge and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge based on legal defects.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a guilty verdict to the King William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for a Concealed Weapon Charge
In King William County, a concealed weapon charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus long-term consequences.
| 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 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the local courts and how to build an effective defense strategy for weapons charges.
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 King William County
Our concealed weapon lawyer King William County team has documented results in the local court. For example, we have successfully amended serious traffic charges in King William County General District Court to lesser infractions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides an edge in cases with technical or financial elements.
Contact Our King William County Weapons Charge Defense Team
Our Richmond location serves clients at the King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane). We are your local concealed weapon lawyer near King William, West Point, and Aylett.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Concealed Weapon Charges in King William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in King William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to King William County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in King William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI cases in King William County and family law matters. For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.