Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer Fredericksburg, Virginia
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 Fredericksburg, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machinegun, except as authorized by the Attorney General. A machinegun 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 machinegun, and any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. Violations are prosecuted in federal court, typically by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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) (Cornell LII)
For official statutory text, visit: 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site) and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges aggressively. We have observed that federal agents, including ATF, often rely on informants and surveillance to build these cases.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not consent to any searches or interviews without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, records, and communications.
- Understand the specific charges and potential penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o).
- Work with your attorney to file pretrial motions challenging evidence or procedural violations.
- Prepare for a potential trial or negotiate a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, possession or use of a machine gun carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession or Use of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Supervised release up to 3 years; 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%. Our team has extensive experience defending federal criminal charges, including machine gun possession cases, 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 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While no locality-specific case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic, our firm-wide data demonstrates a strong track record in criminal defense. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 45 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-95 and Route 1. We serve the communities of Fredericksburg, Downtown, Ferry Farm, Spotsylvania border, and Stafford border. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | 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. Under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG), cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Fredericksburg (City), 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.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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 Criminal general statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
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 Virginia law require prompt action.
If facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
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Last verified: May 2026
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.