Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charges in King William County, Virginia, are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in King William County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A “crime of violence” under this statute includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and certain drug trafficking crimes. The statute imposes severe mandatory minimum sentences: 5 years for simple possession, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. If the firearm is a machinegun or equipped with a silencer, the mandatory minimum is 30 years. These sentences must run consecutively to any sentence imposed for the underlying crime of violence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defending these complex federal charges.
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 statute, visit: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site) and USAO EDVA (U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern District of Virginia).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimum sentences under § 924(c). The court is known for its “rocket docket” — cases move quickly from indictment to trial.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications, documents, and digital records.
- Attend all court appearances at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Work with your lawyer to evaluate potential defenses, including challenging the predicate crime of violence.
- Consider negotiating a plea agreement if the evidence is strong, but only with experienced counsel.
In King William County, a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences of 5 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandishing firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharging firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release up to 5 years |
| Use of machinegun or silencer during crime of violence | Federal felony | 30 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release up to 5 years |
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 King William County and across Virginia. While specific case results for federal firearms charges in King William County are not available, the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086), with access via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. If you are searching for a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer near King William County, we serve the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | 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.
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 King William 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.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086). 2 documented results: 2 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm during and in relation to a 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 See Criminal general statutes — verify specific section for Use Of A Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence to build the strongest possible defense.
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Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia