Felon in Possession Lawyer in James City County, Virginia
A felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is a federal felony carrying up to 10 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience in James City County, Virginia, with 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Understanding the Felon in Possession Statute
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, receive, or transport a firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. This federal law applies regardless of whether the underlying felony was state or federal. A conviction under this statute carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders under the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)), which mandates a minimum 15-year sentence for certain prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over James City County. 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(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
Official Government Resources
Insider Perspective on Federal Felon in Possession Cases in EDVA
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act for defendants with prior violent felony convictions. We have observed that the EDVA’s “rocket docket” moves cases quickly, often setting trial dates within 70 days of indictment under the Speedy Trial Act.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present — anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of lawful firearm possession or restoration of rights.
- Contact a federal defense attorney immediately — the Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest.
- Review the indictment for procedural defects, such as failure to allege interstate commerce nexus.
- File motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for charge reductions or favorable plea agreements.
In James City County, a felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of 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; potential immigration consequences |
| Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Enhanced Federal Felony | Minimum 15 years to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole in federal system; mandatory minimum sentence |
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. 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 — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled complex federal criminal cases, including felon in possession charges, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris personally oversees all federal criminal matters, ensuring that each client receives the attention and strategic defense required in high-stakes federal litigation.
Your Legal 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
Proven Results in Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in James City County and throughout Virginia. While specific federal case results for this locality 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 and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 50 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Newport News Division), with access via I-64 and Route 199 (Humelsine Parkway).
Felon in Possession lawyer near James City County.
Serving the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, Lightfoot.
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 About Felon in Possession 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. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (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 James City 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)(1) 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 Legal Resources
Last updated: 2026-05-01