Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesterfield County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal Statute for Possession or Use of a Machine Gun
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), it is unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except as authorized by the Attorney General for certain official purposes. A machine gun is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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(o) (Cornell LII — official site)
Official Legal References
For the full text of the federal statute governing machine gun possession, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site). For the definition of a machine gun, see 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) (Cornell LII — official site).
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearms Cases in Chesterfield County
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) with aggressive sentencing recommendations. The Richmond Division, which handles cases from Chesterfield County, has a reputation for strict enforcement of federal firearms laws.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and documentation related to the alleged incident.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Review the indictment and discovery materials for procedural errors.
- Develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for trial.
In Chesterfield County, possession or use of a machine gun carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole in federal system |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Firearms Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” 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%. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters, including machine gun possession charges. The firm’s deep familiarity with federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia provides clients with strategic advantages.
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
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesterfield County. While no specific case results are available for federal machine gun charges in this locality, the firm has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County for other criminal matters: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 15 miles from the Chesterfield County General District Court at 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832, with access via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 10. We serve as a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Chesterfield County. Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Machine Gun 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 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.
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 Chesterfield 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.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession or use of a machine gun charges?
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under the Federal Criminal Code to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence and examining procedural compliance.
What should I do if I am facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia?
If facing possession or use of a machine gun 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.
If facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
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Last verified: May 2026 | Content updated: 2026-05-02