A charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence, with no parole in the federal system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia. Contact a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Virginia today.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Virginia
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. A “crime of violence” is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 16 as an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or any felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used. This statute is frequently charged alongside other federal offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, or assault. The penalties are severe: a first conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system, meaning you must serve at least 85% of the sentence. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII)
Official Statute and Court Resources
For the full text of the statute, visit 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII). For information on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official site).
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearm Charges in Virginia
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). We have observed that the government often overcharges the underlying crime of violence to trigger the firearm enhancement.
- Contact a 924c charge defense lawyer Virginia immediately after arrest.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications and documents.
- Your lawyer will review the indictment for legal sufficiency.
- Your lawyer will challenge the firearm enhancement if the underlying crime does not qualify.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution.
In Virginia, a federal charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence (First Offense) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; 85% of sentence must be served; loss of firearm rights |
| Brandishing Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years, consecutive | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; 85% of sentence must be served; loss of firearm rights |
| Discharging Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years, consecutive | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; 85% of sentence must be served; loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm, known as “Advocacy Without Borders,” has extensive experience defending clients against federal firearm charges, including 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) violations. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters and has a deep understanding of the federal sentencing guidelines and the U.S. Attorney’s Office practices in Virginia.
Your Defense Team
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Proven Results in Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in federal criminal defense across Virginia. The firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous cases involving firearm enhancements, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. Results may vary. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, with access via I-395 and I-495. We serve clients throughout Virginia, including the communities of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and all other cities and counties. We are a gun enhancement defense lawyer Virginia firm that provides 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | (703) 636-5417 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against use of a firearm in crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia?
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
What is the penalty for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under federal law?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, which must run consecutively to any other sentence. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Can a 924(c) charge be reduced or dismissed in Virginia?
Yes, a 924(c) charge can be reduced or dismissed in Virginia if the underlying crime of violence does not qualify under federal law, if the firearm was not used in furtherance of the crime, or if procedural errors occurred. An experienced 924c charge defense lawyer Virginia can evaluate these defenses.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information on federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesterfield County pages useful. For related business law matters, see Corporate Compliance Lawyer Virginia and Corporate Transactions Lawyer Virginia.
Last verified: May 2026
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.