Facing federal accessory after the fact charges in Gloucester County? Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, you could face up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Gloucester County clients trust can build your defense today.
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 3 defines accessory after the fact as knowingly assisting a person who committed a federal felony to avoid arrest, prosecution, or punishment. This includes hiding the person, destroying evidence, or providing false information to investigators. The charge applies only after the underlying felony is complete — it is not conspiracy. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Gloucester County understands these distinctions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 3 (official U.S. Code)
Review the official federal statute at 18 U.S.C. § 3 (Cornell LII — U.S. Code). For federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official .gov site).
In Gloucester County, federal accessory after the fact cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division). The government must prove you knew the person committed a felony and you acted with the intent to hinder their arrest or prosecution.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a federal magistrate judge in Norfolk within 48 hours of arrest.
- Detention Hearing: The court decides whether you can be released pending trial.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury must return an indictment within 30 days if you are detained.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews all government evidence, including witness statements and surveillance.
- Pretrial Motions: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to jury trial in federal court or a negotiated resolution.
In Gloucester County, accessory after the fact carries up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony, with fines up to $250,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory After the Fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) | Federal Felony | Up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony | Up to $250,000 | None directly | Federal criminal record, loss of federal benefits, deportation for non-citizens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring former federal prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys to every case. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Gloucester County from our team provides strong federal defense.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our federal criminal defense team has handled complex cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, including Norfolk and Richmond divisions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our Richmond Location serves clients at Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive), accessible via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3.
Near-Me: Looking for an “Accessory After the Fact lawyer near Gloucester”? We serve all of Gloucester County.
Neighborhoods Served: Gloucester, Gloucester Point.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Q: What is the penalty for accessory after the fact in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, the penalty is up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony, plus fines up to $250,000. For a federal felony carrying 10 years, you face up to 5 years in prison.
Q: Can I be charged as an accessory after the fact if I didn’t know about the crime?
No. The government must prove you knew the person committed a federal felony. If you had no knowledge of the underlying crime, you cannot be convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 3.
Q: What is the difference between accessory after the fact and harboring a fugitive?
It depends. Accessory after the fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) requires intent to hinder prosecution. Harboring a fugitive (18 U.S.C. § 1071) specifically involves hiding a person wanted on federal warrants. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer Gloucester County can explain the differences.
Q: Does accessory after the fact apply to state crimes in Gloucester County?
No. 18 U.S.C. § 3 applies only to federal felonies. State-level accessory after the fact is covered under Virginia law (Va. Code § 18.2-19), which carries different penalties and procedures.
Q: What should I do if I am accused of being an accessory after the fact?
It depends. You should exercise your right to remain silent and contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present. A post-crime assistance charge lawyer Gloucester County can protect your rights.
Related Pages:
- Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Albemarle County Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Business Lawyer Gloucester County
- Civil Litigation Lawyer Gloucester County
- Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.