Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), carrying up to 10 years in federal prison with no parole. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, VA, and provides representation at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Understanding Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Under Federal Law
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), it is unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except for certain authorized government entities. A machine gun is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. This includes parts designed to convert a firearm into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), which covers Chesapeake. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders is the firm’s guiding principle, ensuring clients receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of their case.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII)
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Federal Machine Gun Cases in Chesapeake
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for machine gun offenses due to federal sentencing guidelines. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of ATF procedures can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest or investigation.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation related to the firearm.
- Attend all court hearings; failure to appear can result in additional charges.
- Review all discovery materials with your attorney to identify potential defenses.
- Consider all options, including plea negotiations or trial, based on the evidence.
Penalties for Possession or Use of a Machine Gun
In Chesapeake, possession or use of a machine gun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries severe federal penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession or Use of a Machine Gun | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | No parole; supervised release up to 3 years |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal 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%. The firm’s tagline, Advocacy Without Borders, reflects its commitment to providing full legal representation for clients facing serious federal charges in Chesapeake.
Your Federal 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 Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for this jurisdiction are not available, the firm maintains a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas.
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-464. We serve as a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Chesapeake and the surrounding communities.
Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges
What is the penalty for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia?
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). Penalties include up to 10 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and no parole. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handles these cases.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession or use of a machine gun charges?
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging the legality of the search, examining ATF compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia?
If facing possession or use of a machine gun 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.
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesapeake, 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.
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Last verified: May 2026. This page was reviewed for accuracy on this date.