Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires knowing concealment of a federal felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand your legal obligations and potential defenses. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 4. The statute makes it illegal for someone who has actual knowledge of a federal felony to conceal that felony from authorities. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove: (1) the principal committed a federal felony; (2) the defendant had full knowledge of that felony; (3) the defendant failed to notify authorities; and (4) the defendant took an affirmative act to conceal the crime. This is not a failure to report crime — it requires active concealment. A concealment of felony lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the difference between passive non-reporting and active concealment under federal law.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, misprision of a felony requires an affirmative act of concealment — not merely failing to report a crime you witnessed. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that mere silence or inaction does not satisfy the concealment element. A failure to report crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach can evaluate whether the government can prove active concealment in your case.
Review the official statute: 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Misprision of Felony) from the U.S. Code. For federal court procedures in Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia official website.
- Do not speak to federal agents without counsel present. Anything you say can be used as evidence of concealment.
- Preserve all communications and documents. Delete nothing — spoliation can be charged as obstruction.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Early intervention can prevent charges from being filed.
- Understand that federal grand jury subpoenas require careful handling. Your attorney can negotiate your response.
- If charged, your lawyer will challenge whether the government can prove the affirmative act element of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
- Consider whether a proffer session or cooperation agreement is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
In Virginia Beach, 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 | None specific | Federal supervised release; loss of federal benefits; immigration consequences for non-citizens |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Our federal criminal defense team includes attorneys with former prosecutor backgrounds who understand how the government builds concealment cases. We provide case-specific strategies for each client’s unique circumstances.
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
Mr. Sris leads the federal criminal defense practice at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. His former prosecutor experience gives him insight into how federal prosecutors build misprision cases. He works collaboratively with Of Counsel attorneys who each have well over a decade of practice experience.
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While no specific Virginia Beach misprision case results are available, our federal criminal defense team has handled complex federal matters throughout the Eastern District of Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264 and I-64. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Misprision of a Felony lawyer near Virginia Beach — available 24/7.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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Q: What is misprision of a felony under federal law?
Yes. Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires actual knowledge of a federal felony and an affirmative act to conceal it from authorities. Mere silence or failure to report does not satisfy the concealment element.
Q: Can I be charged for not reporting a crime I witnessed?
No. Federal law does not require ordinary citizens to report crimes. Misprision requires active concealment — hiding evidence, lying to investigators, or helping the perpetrator avoid detection. A failure to report crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach can explain this distinction.
Q: What is the penalty for misprision of a felony?
It depends. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the maximum penalty is 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Actual sentences vary based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the specific facts of each case.
Q: How is misprision different from obstruction of justice?
Yes. Misprision requires concealment of a known felony before any investigation begins. Obstruction of justice involves interfering with an ongoing investigation or proceeding. The two charges can overlap but have different elements and potential penalties.
Q: Should I talk to federal agents without a lawyer?
No. Never speak to federal agents without legal counsel present. Statements made during interviews can be used to prove the knowledge and concealment elements of misprision. A concealment of felony lawyer Virginia Beach should be contacted immediately.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.