Felon in Possession Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Goochland County, VA, handling federal charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. A conviction carries up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2).
Federal Felon in Possession Law: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it a crime for any person who has been convicted of a felony to ship, transport, possess, or receive any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This statute applies to all individuals with prior felony convictions, regardless of the nature of the prior offense. The government must prove that you knew you possessed the firearm and that the firearm had a connection to interstate commerce. A violation of this statute is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2), with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or if the firearm is used in connection with other crimes.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing federal charges in Goochland County.
Official Legal References
For the full text of the federal statute governing felon in possession charges, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
Insider Perspective on Federal Felon in Possession Cases in Goochland County
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue felon in possession charges aggressively, often seeking enhanced penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e) for armed career criminals. We have observed that the government frequently relies on constructive possession theories, arguing that you had knowledge and control over the firearm even if it was not found on your person.
In our experience defending these cases, the most effective strategy involves challenging the legality of the search or seizure that led to the discovery of the firearm. A motion to suppress can be critical if law enforcement lacked probable cause or a valid warrant.
Additionally, the government must prove that you knew you were a felon at the time of possession. If you had a reasonable belief that your civil rights had been restored, this may serve as a defense.
- Do not consent to any search of your vehicle, home, or person.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve any evidence that may show the firearm was not yours.
- Document any statements made by law enforcement during the encounter.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer Goochland County as soon as possible.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney.
In Goochland County, a federal felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties for armed career criminals under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Armed Career Criminal (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Enhanced Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 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., 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%. Our firm has extensive experience defending clients against federal charges, including felon in possession cases. We understand the details of federal court and the aggressive tactics used by U.S. Attorneys. Our team, led by Mr. Sris, provides personalized attention and strategic defense case-specific to your unique circumstances.
Your 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
Documented Case Results in Goochland County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Goochland County: 1 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from Goochland County General District Court (2938 River Road West, Bldg G, Goochland, VA 23063), with access via I-64 and Route 6. We serve the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond office is located at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. Phone: (804) 201-9009.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Goochland County
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 under 18 U.S.C.
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 Goochland 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Learn more about our services: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia (statewide hub).
Explore related locations: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake.
See also: Trespass Defense Lawyer Goochland County and Cannabis Possession Lawyer Goochland County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in federal law and local court procedures.
By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.