Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer in James City County, Virginia
Possession of an unregistered firearm is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922, carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in James City County, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922 makes it unlawful for any person to possess a firearm that is not registered to them in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. This statute applies to firearms such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and destructive devices. A violation of this statute is a felony under the National Firearms Act (NFA), 26 U.S.C. § 5861. The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed the unregistered firearm. 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 these serious charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922
For the full text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site). For the National Firearms Act, see 26 U.S.C. § 5861 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue NFA violations with aggressive sentencing recommendations. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the firearm’s registration status can create significant use.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents related to the firearm, including purchase records and registration paperwork.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment with your attorney to identify potential procedural defects.
- Explore whether a motion to suppress evidence is appropriate.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a plea based on the strength of the evidence.
In James City County, possession of an unregistered firearm carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | Supervised release, loss of voting rights, immigration consequences |
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 NFA violations. Mr. Sris personally leads the federal criminal defense practice, ensuring clients receive experienced representation.
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 James City County. While specific federal case results for this jurisdiction 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 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 60. Serving the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and 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
(804) 201-9009 | (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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. Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges.
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 possession of an unregistered firearm charges?
Defense strategies for possession of an unregistered 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 Federal Criminal general statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession of an unregistered firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of an unregistered firearm charges in Virginia, contact a federal 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.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesterfield County pages. For related practice areas, see Reckless Driving Lawyer James City County and Child Exploitation Lawyer James City County.
Last updated: 2026-05-02