Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence in Gloucester County carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in federal court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 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 another person, or any felony that involves a substantial risk of such force. This statute applies to offenses prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Gloucester County. Conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, 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 crime of violence.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Cornell LII
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal criminal defense in Gloucester County.
Official Federal Statutes and Resources
For the full text of the federal statute governing use of a firearm in a crime of violence, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines § 2K2.1 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearm Charges in the Eastern District of Virginia
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 separately to trigger consecutive sentencing. The Eastern District of Virginia is known for its “rocket docket,” where cases move quickly from indictment to trial.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney 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 electronic devices.
- Review the federal indictment for procedural errors or legal deficiencies.
- Develop a defense strategy that may include challenging the predicate crime of violence definition.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential plea agreements or sentence reductions.
Penalties for Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
In Gloucester County, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use or carry firearm during crime of violence (first offense) | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | 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 (federal offense) | 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 (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Second or subsequent § 924(c) conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Firearm Defense in Gloucester County
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” 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%. Mr. Sris personally handles federal criminal defense matters, including use of a firearm in crime of violence charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The firm has extensive experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where these cases are prosecuted.
Your Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
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
Case Results in Gloucester County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. While specific federal firearm case results are not available for this jurisdiction, the firm has 4,739+ firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and Route 17. We serve as a use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer near Gloucester County. Serving the communities of Gloucester, Gloucester Point. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
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 About Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
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. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries mandatory minimum sentences that run consecutively to any other sentence. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Federal charges carry 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. The Eastern District of Virginia, which covers Gloucester County, is known for its “rocket docket” and high conviction rates.
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 Gloucester 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 follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines with mandatory minimums that strongly influence sentencing.
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. A 924c charge defense lawyer Gloucester County can help handle the complex federal system.
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. A gun enhancement defense lawyer Gloucester County can provide the representation you need.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, 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, Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake, Underage Drinking Lawyer Gloucester County, and Carjacking Lawyer Gloucester County.
Last verified: May 2026