Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Colonial Heights and across Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) generally prohibits the possession or transfer of a machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986. 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 the frame or receiver of such a weapon, any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any part designed and intended solely for use in such a weapon. Violations are prosecuted in federal court, typically by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) in Richmond or Alexandria.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
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 extensive federal criminal defense matters across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New York, and New Jersey.
Official Legal References
Insider Procedural Edge: Federal Machine Gun Cases in EDVA
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) with aggressive sentencing recommendations. We have observed that federal agents, including the ATF, often rely on informants and surveillance to build these cases.
Federal sentencing guidelines for machine gun offenses are calculated under USSG § 2K2.1, which can result in enhanced penalties if the weapon was used in connection with another felony. Mandatory minimum sentences may apply under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) if the machine gun was used during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense.
- Step 1: Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Step 2: Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately — call (888) 437-7747.
- Step 3: Preserve all evidence, including documents, electronic devices, and communications.
- Step 4: Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
- Step 5: Work with your attorney to review discovery and develop a defense strategy.
- Step 6: Consider all options, including motions to suppress evidence, plea negotiations, or trial.
In Colonial Heights, possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense carrying severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years imprisonment | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole in federal system; supervised release up to 3 years; forfeiture of firearm |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years to life (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; forfeiture of firearm; enhanced sentencing guidelines |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Criminal 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 — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled extensive federal criminal defense matters, including machine gun possession charges, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, personally leads federal cases and works collaboratively with Of Counsel attorneys who bring decades of experience.
Your Federal Criminal Defense 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
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Colonial Heights. While specific case results for federal machine gun charges in this locality are 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.
Our Location and Service Area
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 I-295. We serve the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, and the Petersburg border.
Looking for a federal criminal lawyer near Colonial Heights? We are here to help.
Serving the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, Petersburg border.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Machine Gun 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.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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 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 possession or use of a machine gun charges?
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under federal criminal statutes 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.
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Last verified: May 2026