Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for possession, 7 years for brandishing, and 10 years for discharging a firearm, with all sentences running consecutively. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia federal courts, including the U.S.
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A “crime of violence” under this statute includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and certain federal felonies that have as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person. The statute imposes severe mandatory minimum sentences that must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying offense. This means a conviction under § 924(c) adds significant prison time on top of the sentence for the predicate crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases aggressively in both the Eastern District of Virginia (headquartered in Alexandria and Richmond) and the Western District of Virginia (headquartered in Roanoke).
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official text)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. The firm’s approach, Advocacy Without Borders, ensures clients receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of their case.
Official Legal References
For the full text of the statute governing use of a firearm in a crime of violence, consult the following official government sources:
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearm Charges in Virginia
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 the government often relies on circumstantial evidence to establish the nexus between the firearm and the predicate crime.
Federal judges in Virginia have limited discretion to depart from the mandatory minimum, making pre-trial motion practice critical.
- Preserve all evidence and do not speak to law enforcement without counsel.
- Request a detention hearing to argue for pre-trial release.
- File a motion to dismiss if the predicate offense does not meet the definition of a crime of violence.
- Challenge the sufficiency of evidence linking the firearm to the alleged crime.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea to a lesser charge.
- Prepare for trial with experienced witnesses on firearm identification and forensic analysis.
Penalties for Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence in Virginia
In Virginia federal courts, use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole in federal system |
| Brandishing Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole in federal system |
| Discharging Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole in federal system |
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm Defense
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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%. The firm’s philosophy, Advocacy Without Borders, reflects its commitment to providing full legal representation to clients facing the most serious federal charges. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government builds its cases and can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases involving firearms, drug trafficking, and violent crimes, and has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes through strategic motion practice, negotiation, and trial advocacy.
Your Defense Team
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
Proven Results in Federal Criminal Defense
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 of 93%+. While specific case results for use of a firearm in a crime of violence charges are not publicly available due to the sensitive nature of federal cases, the firm has achieved numerous dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements in federal firearms and violent crime cases. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, with access via I-95 and I-64. We also serve clients at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, accessible via I-81.
If you are searching for a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Virginia, we are here to help. Serving the communities of all Virginia cities and counties, including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Roanoke, and Lynchburg.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009
Frequently Asked Questions About Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges in Virginia
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. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense. A gun enhancement defense lawyer Virginia can identify whether the predicate offense qualifies as a crime of violence.
Yes. Defense strategies include challenging the predicate offense, the nexus between firearm and crime, and constitutional violations.
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. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action. A 924c charge defense lawyer Virginia can advise you on your rights and options.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not speak to law enforcement without counsel.
What is the penalty for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under federal law?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for possession, 7 years for brandishing, and 10 years for discharging a firearm. These sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Western District of Virginia handle these cases.
5 years mandatory minimum for possession, 7 for brandishing, 10 for discharging, all consecutive.
Can a 924(c) charge be reduced or dismissed in Virginia federal court?
Yes. A 924(c) charge can be reduced or dismissed if the underlying crime of violence does not qualify as a predicate offense, if the firearm was not used in furtherance of the crime, or if there are constitutional violations. An experienced 924c charge defense lawyer Virginia can evaluate these defenses and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Yes, if the predicate offense is not a crime of violence or the firearm was not used in furtherance of the crime.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on federal criminal defense in Virginia, explore the following resources:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia — State hub page for federal conspiracy charges.
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County — Sibling page for Caroline County.
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake — Sibling page for Chesapeake.
- Arson Lawyer Virginia — Related criminal defense page.
- Gun Crime Lawyer Virginia — Related criminal defense page.
Last verified: May 2026 | This page was last updated on 2026-05-01 to reflect current law and firm data.