A felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) — Felon in Possession
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is 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 all felonies, including state-level convictions. A conviction under this section carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison, though enhanced penalties apply for certain prior convictions. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the firearm and that you had a prior felony conviction. As a Felon in Possession lawyer in Virginia Beach, we understand the details of federal firearms law and the defenses available under the Second Amendment and other constitutional protections.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official text)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Our firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, including felon in possession charges.
Official Legal References
For the full text of the federal firearms prohibition, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official text). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearms offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual (ussc.gov — official site).
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearms Cases in Virginia Beach
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for felon in possession charges. The court applies the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which can result in sentences above the statutory minimum for defendants with multiple prior convictions.
We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, where the firearm was found in a location you controlled but not on your person. This requires the prosecution to prove knowledge and intent.
- Do not consent to any search of your vehicle, home, or person without a warrant.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Contact a felon with firearm defense lawyer Virginia Beach within 24 hours of your arrest.
- Attend all court appearances and follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations.
- Consider the possibility of a motion to suppress evidence if the search was illegal.
In Virginia Beach, a felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release (up to 3 years); loss of voting rights in some states; immigration consequences for non-citizens |
| Felon in Possession with Prior Violent Felony (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Armed Career Criminal Act | Mandatory minimum 15 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release (up to 5 years); no parole in federal system |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearms 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%. Our firm has extensive experience defending federal firearms charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. We understand the federal sentencing guidelines and the strategies prosecutors use in these cases. As a Felon in Possession lawyer in Virginia Beach, we provide aggressive representation from the initial appearance through trial and appeal.
Your Legal 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
Our Track Record in Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across all practice areas, including federal criminal cases. While specific case results for Virginia Beach federal firearms charges are not publicly available, our firm-wide results demonstrate a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division), with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Virginia Beach
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. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG).
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm 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.
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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of a firearm by a felon charges?
Defense strategies for possession of a firearm by a felon 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.
What should I do if I am facing possession of a firearm by a felon charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of a firearm by a felon 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.
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.
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Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-02 to reflect current legal standards and firm data.