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 King William County, Virginia. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in King William 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 exceptions. 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 any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over King William County. The penalties for possession or use of a machine gun can include up to 10 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to your defense.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII)
For the official text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges aggressively. We have observed that federal agents often rely on informants and surveillance to build these cases. Early intervention by an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is critical.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and communications that may be relevant.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment and evidence with your attorney.
- Develop a defense strategy, including challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable resolution, if appropriate.
In King William County, possession or use of a machine gun carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, 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 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, loss of firearm rights, potential immigration consequences |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (if machine gun used) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Consecutive sentence, no parole |
Results may vary.
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%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including machine gun possession charges, in King William County and throughout Virginia. Our team understands the details of federal law and the aggressive prosecution tactics used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 King William County. While specific case results for federal machine gun charges are not available, 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 in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from the King William County General District Court, with access via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. We serve as a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near King William County. Serving the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. 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
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 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.
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 King William 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.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at King William County General District Court (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
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Last verified: May 2026