Felon in Possession Lawyer in Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from possessing, receiving, or transporting a firearm or ammunition in or affecting interstate commerce. This federal statute applies nationwide, including in Virginia. The government must prove that the defendant had a prior felony conviction, knowingly possessed the firearm, and that the firearm was in or affecting interstate commerce. A violation is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2). If the firearm is used in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking, mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years apply under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site)
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov — official site)
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely rely on constructive possession theories to prove felon in possession charges. We have observed that many cases hinge on whether the defendant knew the firearm was present.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or person.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Review the indictment for procedural errors or missing elements.
- File a motion to suppress if the firearm was seized during an unlawful search.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a possible reduction or dismissal.
In Virginia, felon in possession of a firearm carries up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2), with mandatory minimums for related offenses.
| 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) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Felon in Possession with Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | 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 in Virginia, including felon in possession charges. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s deep commitment to Virginia law.
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 Virginia: firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-64 and I-81. Our location in Fairfax is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, with access via I-495 and I-395.
Felon in Possession lawyer near Virginia.
Serving the communities of All Virginia communities.
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 | By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal penalty for felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia?
Up to 10 years in federal prison. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2), a conviction for felon in possession of a firearm carries up to 10 years in federal prison. If the firearm is used in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking, the penalty increases to a mandatory minimum of 15 years under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia handles these cases.
Up to 10 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2).
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
It depends on the facts. Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm in Virginia may include challenging the legality of the search or seizure, examining whether the firearm was actually possessed, 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?
Contact a lawyer immediately. 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 federal law require prompt action.
Can a felon in possession charge be reduced or dismissed in Virginia?
Yes. A felon in possession charge can be reduced or dismissed if the government cannot prove knowing possession, if the firearm was not in or affecting interstate commerce, or if the search was unlawful. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handle these cases.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page.
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Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-01