Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Henrico County: Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence 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 Henrico County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) prohibits the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm in furtherance of 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, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used. In Henrico County, these charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, which must run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying crime. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. 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 full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimum under § 924(c). We have observed that the government often relies on circumstantial evidence to prove the firearm was used “in furtherance” of the crime. A strong defense requires challenging the predicate offense classification and the nexus between the firearm and the crime.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including digital records and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for legal deficiencies.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a favorable plea agreement.
In Henrico County, a federal conviction for Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) | 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 a firearm during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)) | 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 a firearm during a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)) | 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 |
Results may vary.
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 complex federal criminal defense matters, including Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence charges. The firm has extensive experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where federal cases are prosecuted aggressively. Our team understands the high stakes of federal sentencing, including mandatory minimums and the absence of parole.
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 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include cases in Henrico County General District Court and Henrico County Circuit Court. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228), with access via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve as a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer near Henrico County. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville. 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
(804) 201-9009 | (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Henrico County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Henrico County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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.
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Henrico 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.
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Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
By appointment only.