Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia 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 Virginia federal courts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
Understanding Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges in Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except for certain limited exceptions. 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 the frame or receiver of such a weapon, any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any accessory designed and intended to accelerate the rate of fire. The Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Virginia defendants rely on must understand the complex interplay between federal statutes, the National Firearms Act (NFA), and the Gun Control Act. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous federal criminal cases across Virginia.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922
Official Federal Statutes and Resources
18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code) — The primary federal statute prohibiting possession or transfer of machine guns.
U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov) — The federal prosecuting authority for machine gun cases in Virginia.
Insider Knowledge: Federal Machine Gun Cases in Virginia
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, federal prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for machine gun possession linked to drug trafficking or violent crimes. We have observed that the government often relies on forensic analysis of the weapon and testimony from ATF agents.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices without a warrant.
- Immediately invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer with experience in machine gun cases.
- Preserve any documentation related to the weapon’s registration or lawful possession.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, including family or friends.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances and comply with all conditions of release.
Penalties for Possession or Use of a Machine Gun in Virginia
In Virginia, possession or use of a machine gun carries severe federal penalties including up to 10 years in prison, substantial fines, and forfeiture of the weapon.
| 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 (lifetime) | Forfeiture of weapon; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Minimum 30 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition (lifetime) | No parole; mandatory minimum sentence |
| Possession of an Unregistered Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861(d)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition (lifetime) | Forfeiture of weapon; $200,000 tax liability possible |
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Machine Gun Defense?
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%. Our firm has extensive experience defending federal criminal cases, including machine gun possession charges, in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. We understand the federal sentencing guidelines, the Speedy Trial Act, and the strategies used by federal prosecutors. Our automatic weapon charge defense lawyer Virginia team is prepared to challenge every aspect of the government’s case.
Your Defense Team
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
Our Track Record in Federal Criminal Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in federal criminal defense across Virginia. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, we have achieved 4,739+ documented results with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our machine gun possession lawyer Virginia team has secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious federal firearms charges. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, with access via I-95 and I-64. We serve clients throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and all communities in between. Our Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Virginia team is available 24/7 for phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009
Serving the communities of: All Virginia communities
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges in Virginia
What is the federal penalty for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia?
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). Penalties include up to 10 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and forfeiture of the weapon. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system.
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 federal law to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
Can possession or use of a machine gun charges be reduced or dismissed in Virginia?
Yes, it is possible to have possession or use of a machine gun charges reduced or dismissed in Virginia. Defense strategies include challenging the legality of the search, questioning the chain of custody of evidence, and negotiating with federal prosecutors for a plea agreement. Results depend on the specific facts of your case.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02. This page is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current federal law and procedures.