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 Gloucester County, Virginia, and provides representation at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except for certain limited circumstances involving government or law enforcement. 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 accessory designed to diminish the rate of fire. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII)
For official statutory text, refer to: 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site) and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, federal prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges aggressively, often seeking mandatory minimum sentences. We have observed that early intervention — before an indictment is filed — can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents and electronic devices.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment with your attorney to understand the charges.
- Prepare for initial appearance and detention hearing.
- File motions to suppress evidence if applicable.
In Gloucester County, Virginia, possession or use of a machine gun under federal law carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| 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 | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
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%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience in federal firearms cases, including possession or use of a machine gun charges.
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 criminal defense experience in Gloucester County, Virginia. While specific case results for possession or use of a machine gun charges are not available for this locality, the firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, Virginia is approximately 45 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and Route 17. If you need a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Gloucester County, we serve the communities of Gloucester and Gloucester Point. 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
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Gloucester 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. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
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.
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 general statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
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.
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.
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Page last updated: 2026-05-02