A federal charge for Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesterfield County, VA. A 924c charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County can help you handle these serious federal penalties.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal 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. § 16 as an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another. This statute imposes severe mandatory minimum sentences: 5 years for mere possession, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying offense. 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)
For the official federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimums under § 924(c). We have observed that the government often charges the firearm count even when the evidence linking the firearm to the predicate offense is weak.
- Contact a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Chesterfield County immediately upon arrest or indictment.
- Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications, receipts, and surveillance footage.
- Your attorney will file a motion to challenge the predicate offense classification.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a potential plea or sentencing departure.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached.
In Chesterfield County, a federal charge for Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence carries mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 5 years to life, depending on the specific conduct.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm in Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Brandishing Firearm in Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Discharging Firearm in Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Second or Subsequent Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
Results may vary.
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%. “Advocacy Without Borders” is the firm’s guiding principle, ensuring clients receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of their case. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal matters, including Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charges.
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 Chesterfield County. While specific case results for federal Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charges are not available for this locality, the firm has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County for criminal matters: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 15 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and I-295. If you need a 924c charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, Moseley. 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
Phone: (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. A gun enhancement defense lawyer Chesterfield County can explain the specific differences.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesterfield 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.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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. § 922 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake. For other practice areas in Chesterfield County, see Obstruction Defense Lawyer Chesterfield County and Concealed Firearm Defense Lawyer Chesterfield County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)