A Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) in Colonial Heights, Virginia, carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, receive, or transport a firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. This statute applies to any individual with a prior felony conviction, regardless of whether the conviction was in state or federal court. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew you were a felon and that you knowingly possessed a firearm. A Felon in Possession lawyer Colonial Heights understands the nuances of this federal statute and can challenge the evidence presented against you.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases across Virginia, including in Colonial Heights.
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official federal code). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual § 2K2.1 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue mandatory minimum sentences for felon in possession cases, especially when the firearm was used in connection with another crime. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, arguing that you had knowledge and control over the firearm even if it was not on your person.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or person without a warrant.
- Invoke your right to counsel immediately upon arrest.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your defense, such as proof of firearm ownership by another person.
- Contact a felon with firearm defense lawyer Colonial Heights as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
- Attend all court appearances and comply with pretrial conditions to avoid additional charges.
In Colonial Heights, a federal felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | No direct license impact, but may affect professional licenses | Up to 3 years supervised release; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
| Felon in Possession with Prior Violent Felony (Armed Career Criminal Act — 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Federal Felony (Enhanced) | Mandatory minimum 15 years to life | Up to $250,000 | No direct license impact | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
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 documented case results across Virginia, including favorable outcomes in federal criminal matters. While specific locality data for Colonial Heights federal cases is limited, the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and Route 1. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Colonial Heights can meet with you at our Richmond location or by appointment in Colonial Heights. Serving the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, and the Petersburg border. 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 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Colonial Heights
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, while state charges under Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 are prosecuted in Colonial Heights General District Court or Circuit Court. Federal sentences are typically longer and there is no parole in the federal system.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Yes. 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 court in Virginia operates under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The Eastern District of Virginia, where Colonial Heights cases are heard, is known for its fast-paced schedule and experienced prosecutors.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Colonial Heights (City), 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession 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(g)(1) to build the strongest possible defense. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search, disputing constructive possession, and arguing that the firearm was not in interstate commerce.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a 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 Felon in Possession lawyer Colonial Heights at (888) 437-7747.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find these related pages useful: Gun Crime Lawyer Colonial Heights and Carjacking Lawyer Colonial Heights.
Last verified: May 2026 | This page was last updated on 2026-05-01. Federal laws and sentencing guidelines may change. Consult with a qualified attorney for the most current information.