In New Kent County, misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires knowing concealment of a federal felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strategic federal criminal defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer New Kent County today.
Misprision of a Felony Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Rights?
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 4. It applies when someone has actual knowledge of a federal felony and takes affirmative steps to conceal it from authorities, while failing to report it. This is distinct from simply not reporting a crime — the government must prove active concealment. A failure to report crime defense lawyer New Kent County can explain the narrow scope of this statute.
Last verified: 2026-04 | New Kent County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the government must prove: (1) the principal committed a federal felony; (2) the defendant had actual knowledge of that felony; (3) the defendant did not notify authorities; and (4) the defendant took affirmative steps to conceal the crime. Mere silence is not enough. A concealment of felony lawyer New Kent County can challenge each element.
Review the official statute at 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official .gov site).
Federal cases in New Kent County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), known for aggressive prosecution. The government must prove active concealment — not just silence. Your defense can focus on lack of knowledge or lack of affirmative action.
- Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Anything you say can be used to prove knowledge.
- Preserve all communications that may show you lacked knowledge of the underlying felony.
- Identify whether you took any affirmative steps to conceal — or simply remained silent.
- Request a proffer session to demonstrate your cooperation and lack of concealment intent.
- File motions to dismiss if the government cannot prove active concealment beyond silence.
- Negotiate for a lesser charge or diversion if the evidence supports knowledge but not concealment.
In New Kent County, misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 carries up to 3 years in federal prison and fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misprision of Felony (18 U.S.C. § 4) | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Federal supervised release; loss of federal benefits; immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally leads federal criminal defense matters, including misprision of felony charges. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results span federal and state courts across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Specific locality results for New Kent County federal cases are not separately tracked, but the firm’s federal criminal defense practice has achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements in EDVA.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). The office is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: What is misprision of a felony under federal law?
Yes. Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires knowing concealment of a federal felony. The government must prove you had actual knowledge and took affirmative steps to hide the crime. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer New Kent County can explain the elements.
Q: Can I be charged for simply not reporting a crime?
No. Mere silence or failure to report is not enough. The government must prove you took affirmative steps to conceal the felony. A failure to report crime defense lawyer New Kent County can challenge the concealment element.
Q: What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in New Kent County?
It depends. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the maximum penalty is up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Actual sentences depend on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the specific facts of your case.
Q: How is concealment of a felony different from being an accessory?
Yes. Concealment of a felony (misprision) involves hiding knowledge after the crime. Being an accessory involves helping before or during the crime. The penalties and defenses differ significantly. A concealment of felony lawyer New Kent County can explain the distinction.
Q: Should I speak to federal investigators without a lawyer?
No. Never speak to federal investigators without counsel. Anything you say can be used to prove knowledge of the underlying felony. Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer New Kent County immediately to protect your rights.