Possession of an unregistered firearm is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922, carrying up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Spotsylvania County. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases.
Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922 prohibits the possession of firearms that are not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. This includes machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and destructive devices. A violation of this statute is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (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.
For the full text of the federal statute governing firearm registration, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site). For information on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (uscourts.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922 with aggressive sentencing recommendations. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough examination of the government’s evidence can significantly impact the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence related to the firearm.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Attend all court hearings as scheduled.
- Work with your attorney to develop a defense strategy.
- Consider all options, including plea negotiations and trial.
In Spotsylvania County, possession of an unregistered firearm carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, and a permanent felony record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm license revoked | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for federal benefits |
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%. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, including those involving firearm offenses.
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 Spotsylvania County, including 8 documented results: 4 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 45 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, with access via I-95 and Route 1. Serving the communities of Spotsylvania, Chancellor, and Massaponax. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (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. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.).
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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 statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
What is the penalty for possession of an unregistered firearm under federal law?
Possession of an unregistered firearm is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922. Penalties can include up to 10 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent felony conviction. There is no parole in the federal system.
Penalties can include up to 10 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent felony conviction.
For more information on federal criminal defense, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages useful. For related practice areas, see Commercial Litigation Lawyer Spotsylvania County and Reckless Driving Lawyer Spotsylvania County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in federal law and local procedures.