A Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in Henrico County, Virginia carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience handling federal firearm cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A “crime of violence” is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(3) as a felony that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or that by its nature involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used. A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for a first offense, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if the firearm is discharged. These sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying crime of violence. 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. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site)
For the full text of the federal statute governing use of a firearm in a crime of violence, see: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site) and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimum sentences under § 924(c). We have observed that federal firearm charges are often added to predicate offenses like robbery or drug trafficking to use plea negotiations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including digital communications and records.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Understand the specific charges and potential penalties under § 924(c).
- Prepare for a detention hearing, which can be critical to your case.
- Work with your attorney to explore all defense strategies, including challenging the “crime of violence” predicate.
In Henrico County, a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 5 years to life in federal prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess Firearm During Crime of Violence (First Offense) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years, up to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Consecutive sentence; no parole; loss of firearm rights |
| Brandishing Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years, up to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Consecutive sentence; no parole; loss of firearm rights |
| Discharging Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years, up to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Consecutive sentence; no parole; loss of firearm rights |
| Second or Subsequent § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Consecutive sentence; no parole; loss of firearm rights |
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 Henrico County. While specific federal firearm case results are not available for this jurisdiction, the firm 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.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) at 701 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219, with access via I-64 and I-95.
Searching for a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence 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
(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.
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 under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG).
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 and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747. The Eastern District of Virginia is known for its fast-paced “Rocket Docket.”
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.
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 use of a firearm in crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence 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. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia?
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence 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.
Learn more about our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia services.
Explore related pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake.
Also see: Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer Henrico County and Business Compliance Lawyer Henrico County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site)