A felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is a federal offense carrying up to 10 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Henrico County, Virginia, and provides representation at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, ship, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This statute applies broadly and does not require that the firearm was used in a crime; mere possession by a prohibited person is sufficient for prosecution. A conviction under this section carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with mandatory minimum sentences applicable in certain circumstances, such as when the firearm is used in connection with a drug trafficking crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) prosecutes these cases in the Richmond Division at 701 E Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. 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(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
For official statutory text, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, refer to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek indictments for felon in possession charges based on constructive possession theories, meaning they may argue you had knowledge and control over the firearm even if it was not on your person.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or person without a warrant.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer before any court appearance.
- Review the indictment with your attorney to identify potential defenses.
- Attend all scheduled hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
In Henrico County, a felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with potential mandatory minimums for related offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 3 years; potential immigration consequences |
| Possession of Firearm in Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Enhanced penalties; no parole in federal system |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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, and provides strategic defense case-specific to the unique procedural field of federal court.
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 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include dismissals, nolle prosequi, and amended charges across various practice areas. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64, I-95, and I-295.
Searching for a federal criminal lawyer near Henrico County? We serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
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 Henrico 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. 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 felon in possession charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession 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)(1) to build the strongest possible defense.
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 Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information on federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find our pages for Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake useful. For related business law matters in Henrico County, see Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer Henrico County and Business Compliance Lawyer Henrico County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-02