Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Goochland County, Virginia, and provides aggressive representation for clients facing these charges.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, with limited exceptions for government entities and certain pre-1986 registered firearms. A machine gun is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes the frame or receiver of such a weapon, any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any accessory designed to diminish the rate of fire. Violations are prosecuted in federal court, and the penalties are severe, including up to 10 years of imprisonment, fines, and supervised release. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the weapon and that it met the legal definition of a machine gun. Defenses may include lack of knowledge, improper search and seizure, or that the weapon was not functional as a machine gun. 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. § 922(o)
For the full text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges aggressively, often seeking maximum penalties under federal sentencing guidelines. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough examination of the government’s evidence can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the weapon.
- Contact a Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer in Goochland County immediately.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
- Work with your attorney to review discovery and file appropriate motions.
- Consider negotiating a plea or seeking a downward departure under the sentencing guidelines.
In Goochland County, possession or use of a machine gun carries severe federal penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Supervised release, forfeiture of weapon |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (if machine gun used) | Up to $250,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Consecutive sentence, no parole |
Results may vary.
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 Goochland County. While specific case results for federal machine gun charges are not available for this jurisdiction, 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 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and Route 250. If you need a machine gun possession lawyer in Goochland County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handles these cases.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Yes. Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Goochland County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession or use of a machine gun charges?
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under federal statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia?
If facing possession or use of a machine gun 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 federal law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages useful. Additionally, explore our Business Dissolution Lawyer Goochland County and Business Property Lawyer Goochland County pages.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in federal law and local procedures.