A felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) in Virginia Beach carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. This federal statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions, regardless of whether the underlying conviction was state or federal. The charge is a Class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) prosecutes these cases in the Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, located at 600 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to this offense, see USSG § 2K2.1 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced sentences under the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) if the defendant has three prior violent felony or serious drug offense convictions. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, arguing that the defendant had knowledge of and control over the firearm even if it was not found on their person.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the firearm’s ownership or lawful possession.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer Virginia Beach immediately to review the indictment.
- Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence if the search or seizure was unconstitutional.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea agreement or prepare for trial.
- If convicted, your attorney will advocate for a sentence below the guidelines range based on mitigating factors.
In Virginia Beach, a felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | None (federal offense) | Up to 3 years supervised release; loss of firearm rights; potential ACCA enhancement (15 years to life) |
| Felon in Possession of Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | None (federal offense) | Up to 3 years supervised release; loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary.
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 has handled numerous federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, including felon in possession charges. Mr. Sris personally oversees each federal case, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of defense.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with a strong record of favorable outcomes in federal criminal cases. The firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division), with access via I-64 and I-264. As a Felon in Possession lawyer near Virginia Beach, we serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond, 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG).
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm 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. § 922(g) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence and examining procedural compliance.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a 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 federal law require prompt action.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456).
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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Last verified: May 2026