Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Hanover County and throughout Virginia. A conviction can result in decades in federal prison.
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. A “crime of violence” is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 16 as an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or any felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used. This statute is often charged alongside other federal offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, or assault. A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. Second or subsequent convictions carry a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life. The statute applies regardless of whether the firearm was lawfully possessed or used in self-defense. 924c charge defense lawyer Hanover County experience is critical because federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums severely limit judicial discretion.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (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 to every federal criminal defense case.
Official Legal References
Insider Knowledge: Federal Firearm Charges in the Eastern District of Virginia
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum penalties under § 924(c). The “rocket docket” means cases move quickly — often to trial within 6 months.
We have observed that federal judges in the Richmond Division are particularly attentive to the factual nexus between the firearm and the predicate crime of violence.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon arrest or target letter.
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including phone records, GPS data, and witness contact information.
- Review the indictment for any procedural or constitutional defects.
- Evaluate whether a motion to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment is viable.
- Consider whether a plea agreement with a substantial assistance motion under § 5K1.1 is in your experienced interest.
In Hanover County, a federal conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe mandatory minimum sentences that are consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence (First Offense) | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 5 years; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
| Brandishing Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 5 years; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
| Discharging Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 5 years; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
| Second or Subsequent § 924(c) Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years to life mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release up to 5 years; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm 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 clients against federal firearm charges, including § 924(c) violations. We understand the details of federal sentencing guidelines and the aggressive tactics used by U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Virginia. As a gun enhancement defense lawyer Hanover County, we provide strategic counsel at every stage of the case.
Your Legal 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
Case Results in Hanover County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented results in Hanover County: 9 dismissed or not guilty, 10 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. While these results are from state court matters, they demonstrate our firm’s commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and I-295. We serve as a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer near Hanover County.
Serving the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond, 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Firearm 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. Federal charges carry mandatory minimums 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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Hanover 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 use of a firearm in crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence 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 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia?
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Last verified: May 2026