Felon in Possession lawyer Suffolk, VA

Q: What is felon in possession under federal law?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) , it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to possess any firearm or ammunition. The statute applies even if the predicate conviction occurred in state court and regardless of when the conviction occurred, unless the defendant’s firearm rights have been restored under applicable law. The government must prove both the prior qualifying conviction and the subsequent knowing possession of a firearm or ammunition.

If you are facing a federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Suffolk, Virginia, you need legal guidance that understands both the gravity of the accusation and the specific federal court in which your case will be heard. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is a federal crime for a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year to possess any firearm or ammunition. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases actively, and a conviction can carry severe consequences, including a substantial prison term. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients throughout the Eastern District, including the Norfolk Division that covers Suffolk, working to protect their rights at every stage of the federal criminal process. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Felon in Possession Means in Suffolk, Virginia

The federal prohibition on firearm possession by a convicted felon is found in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). For a person previously convicted of a qualifying offense, knowingly possessing a firearm or ammunition is a felony. Federal authorities—including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, and local law enforcement partners—investigate these cases throughout Virginia, and charges are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In Suffolk, cases are typically handled in the Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, a court known for its efficient docket and the high conviction rate typical of federal prosecutions.

The consequences of a conviction for felon in possession go beyond incarceration. A felony conviction can also affect future employment, housing, and civil rights. The federal sentencing guidelines control how a sentence is determined, with a baseline offense level that increases depending on the defendant’s prior record and whether the firearm was connected to another offense. Because there is no parole in the federal system, an individual convicted under § 922(g) can expect to serve the substantial majority of any prison term imposed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in federal criminal defense and work to identify the strong $1 possible in each case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felon in Possession Cases

A federal investigation often precedes a charge by weeks or months, involving surveillance, witness interviews, and forensic analysis. If you learn that you are under investigation, retaining counsel early can be critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review the government’s evidence, examine the legality of any search or seizure that produced the firearm, and assess whether the prosecution can prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt—including that you knowingly possessed the item and that it qualified as a firearm under federal law.

Once an indictment is filed, the case moves through initial appearance, detention hearing, and discovery. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in the Eastern District of Virginia for clients from Suffolk and the surrounding communities, challenging the admissibility of evidence, negotiating with federal prosecutors, and preparing for trial if necessary. The firm’s approach is tailored to the specific facts of each case, and every possible avenue—from suppression motions to sentencing advocacy under the advisory guidelines—is explored with the goal of achieving the most favorable outcome.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova) and brings that experience in statutory analysis to the defense of clients facing federal charges. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

All of the firm’s non‑Sris attorneys serve as Of Counsel, and together the team handles federal criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions. The Richmond Location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients at the Suffolk federal courthouse and throughout the Norfolk Division. We invite you to call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is felon in possession under federal law?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to possess any firearm or ammunition. The statute applies even if the predicate conviction occurred in state court and regardless of when the conviction occurred, unless the defendant’s firearm rights have been restored under applicable law. The government must prove both the prior qualifying conviction and the subsequent knowing possession of a firearm or ammunition.

What are the penalties for felon in possession in Virginia?

A conviction under § 922(g) carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, though the actual sentence depends on the federal sentencing guidelines and the defendant’s criminal history. A conviction may also result in a fine, a term of supervised release, and the permanent loss of firearm rights. Because federal law abolished parole, an individual sentenced to prison will serve a significant portion of the term imposed.

How does a lawyer defend against felon in possession charges?

Defense strategies may include challenging the legality of the stop or search that uncovered the firearm, arguing that the defendant did not knowingly possess the item, contesting whether the predicate conviction qualifies under the statute, or negotiating with prosecutors for a charge reduction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the specific facts of each case to identify the most viable defense.

What should I do if I am facing felon in possession charges in Suffolk?

If you have been charged or are under investigation, refrain from discussing the matter with anyone other than your attorney. Do not consent to searches or answer questions from law enforcement without counsel present. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer as early as possible to begin preserving evidence and preparing to respond to the government’s case.

How does the federal court process work in the Eastern District of Virginia?

Federal prosecutions typically begin with a grand jury indictment. The defendant appears before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance and a detention hearing, where the court determines whether bail will be set. The case then proceeds through discovery, pretrial motions, and, if not resolved, a jury trial before a district judge. The Eastern District of Virginia, including the Norfolk Division that serves Suffolk, is known for moving cases relatively quickly.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Additional federal criminal defense resources for Virginia:

Primary source authority:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.