Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carrying up to 10 years in federal prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesterfield County. A Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Chesterfield County can help you handle these serious charges.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun that was not lawfully possessed before the effective date of the statute. A machine gun is defined 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. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ 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
For the full text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges with mandatory minimum sentences. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the government’s evidence are critical to building a strong defense.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, communications, and evidence related to the case.
- Your attorney will review the indictment and challenge any procedural violations.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential plea agreements or charge reductions.
- Prepare for trial or sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
In Chesterfield County, possession or use of a machine gun carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, and forfeiture of the weapon.
| 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 | Federal firearm prohibition | Forfeiture of weapon; supervised release; no parole |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Forfeiture of weapon; supervised release; no parole |
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 extensive experience defending federal criminal cases, including machine gun possession charges, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 Chesterfield County, including 5 documented results in the county: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and I-295. If you need a machine gun possession lawyer Chesterfield County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, Moseley. 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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for possession or use of a machine gun under federal law?
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). Penalties can include up to 10 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and forfeiture of the weapon. Cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) 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.
What is the difference between state and federal charges for machine gun possession?
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesterfield 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 firearm offenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
For more information, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also be interested in our Corporate Compliance Lawyer Chesterfield County or Partnership Dispute Lawyer Chesterfield County pages.
Last verified: May 2026