Facing a felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) in York County, Virginia, carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in York County and across Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in York County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This federal statute prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning, possessing, or controlling firearms. A violation of this statute is a Class C felony, carrying a maximum prison term of 10 years under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2). The statute applies regardless of whether the firearm was obtained legally or illegally, and the government must prove that the defendant knew of their felony status at the time of possession. 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)
For the full text of the federal statute governing felon in possession charges, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For information on federal sentencing guidelines applicable to firearms offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual § 2K2.1 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue felon in possession charges with aggressive sentencing enhancements. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, requiring a careful analysis of the facts.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer in York County immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not consent to any searches or interviews without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, witness contact information, and any documentation related to the firearm.
- Your attorney will file a motion to suppress if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the search or seizure.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a potential plea agreement or charge reduction.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached, focusing on challenging the government’s evidence of possession and knowledge.
In York County, Virginia, a felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of federal benefits; potential state firearm prohibition |
| Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of federal benefits; potential state firearm prohibition |
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 extensive criminal defense experience in York County, providing clients with dedicated representation in federal court.
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 York County, with 13 documented case results across all practice areas in York County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Newport News Division), with access via I-64 and Route 17. Serving the communities of Yorktown, Grafton, Tabb, and Seaford. 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 in York 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 the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG).
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm 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 federal law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of a firearm by a felon charges?
Defense strategies for possession of a firearm by a felon 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 possession of a firearm by a felon charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of a firearm by a felon 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.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in York County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in York 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 York County General District Court (300 Ballard Street, Yorktown, VA 23690).
Can criminal charges be expunged in York County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in York County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in York County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in York County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to York County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in York County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at York County General District Court (misdemeanor) and York County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in York County?
York County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. York County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
For more information on federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. Explore related services: Disorderly Conduct Defense Lawyer York County, Reckless Driving Lawyer York County, and Gun Crime Lawyer York County. Also see our sibling pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-02.