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 prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Dinwiddie County, VA. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, with limited exceptions for government entities and certain pre-1986 registered firearms. 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 parts designed to convert a weapon into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Dinwiddie County. 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)
For official statutory text, consult the 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue mandatory minimum sentences for machine gun possession under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
We have observed that federal agents often rely on informants and surveillance to build these cases, making early legal intervention critical.
Procedural compliance with the Fourth Amendment is frequently challenged in these cases.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices.
- Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents and communications related to the case.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a defense.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, including family or friends.
- Attend all court appearances and comply with pretrial conditions set by the court.
In Dinwiddie County, possession or use of a machine gun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, with potential mandatory minimums under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
| 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 firearm prohibition | No parole; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years to life | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | 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 the Eastern District of Virginia, providing clients with experienced representation in complex machine gun possession matters.
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 24 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 96%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-85 and Route 460.
Federal criminal lawyer near Dinwiddie County.
Serving the communities of Dinwiddie and McKenney.
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 carry harsher penalties and no parole compared to state charges.
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 in U.S. District Court with harsher sentencing guidelines.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Dinwiddie 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 uses a points-based system with offense level and criminal history category.
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 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o).
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 federal law require prompt action.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02. This page is regularly reviewed for accuracy.