Felon in Possession lawyer Near Me
Facing a federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm brings the full resources of the U.S. Attorney’s Office against you. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) can lead to years of imprisonment, with no parole available in the federal system. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since 1997 and represents clients across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect your rights from pre-indictment investigation through sentencing. To speak with our firm about your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Federal Felon in Possession Charge Means
A federal felon-in-possession case is unlike any state-level firearms offense. The prosecution is brought by the United States, often after an investigation by the ATF, FBI, or other federal agencies. The statute—18 U.S.C. § 922(g)—prohibits certain categories of individuals from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving firearms or ammunition. The most common category charged is being a person previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year, which includes many felony convictions. Other qualifying categories include certain domestic violence convictions, active protection orders, dishonorable military discharges, and prior mental-health adjudications.
Federal courts operate under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and mandatory minimums, making the stakes significantly higher than most state charges. There is no parole in the federal system; an inmate serves a large portion of the sentence imposed. Conviction also brings a permanent federal firearms disability and can affect employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. Having experienced counsel involved as early as possible—preferably before charges are filed—is critical.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Felon in Possession Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how federal agents build firearm-possession cases. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine whether the government can prove every element of the offense: that the defendant was actually prohibited, that the item meets the statutory definition of a firearm or ammunition, and that the alleged conduct occurred in or affecting interstate commerce. Weaknesses in the chain of custody, forensic testing, or witness credibility may open paths to suppression or dismissal.
Because federal indictments often follow months of investigation, our firm engages clients as soon as they learn they are under scrutiny. Early intervention can shape the direction of a grand jury inquiry, guide communications with agents, and position the defendant for a more favorable charging decision or pretrial resolution. Through each stage—initial appearance, detention hearing, discovery, motion practice, plea negotiations, and trial—Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys remain focused on achieving the most favorable outcome possible.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government constructs a federal case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is joined by the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring extensive combined legal experience in criminal defense matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal firearm prosecutions with a thorough, detail-oriented approach.
Federal felon-in-possession cases are handled collaboratively. Mr. Sris leads the strategy, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys support each stage—from challenging pretrial detention to negotiating with Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., this team-based model ensures that every issue is examined from multiple angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felon in possession charge?
A felon in possession charge is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) that makes it illegal for certain prohibited persons to possess a firearm or ammunition. The most common prohibited category is a person previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Other prohibited categories include those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, those subject to certain protective orders, and those who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution. The government must prove the defendant knew they possessed the object and knew it was a firearm. Consult a federal criminal defense attorney immediately if you are facing this charge.
What are the potential penalties for a federal felon in possession conviction?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a statutory maximum penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment, though the exact sentence depends on the defendant’s criminal history and the application of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The Armed Career Criminal Act can impose even greater mandatory minimum sentences for defendants with three prior qualifying violent felony or serious drug offense convictions. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal firearms conviction also results in a lifetime prohibition on firearm ownership. Our firm works to minimize the consequences through diligent defense strategies. Results may vary.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal felon in possession charge?
Yes, you absolutely need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer if you are under investigation or have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal cases proceed quickly—indictment can follow within weeks of arrest, and the government’s conviction rate is high. A lawyer can evaluate whether the government’s evidence meets the statutory elements, can negotiate with federal prosecutors, and can advocate for pretrial release. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have extensive experience in federal court. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.
How does the federal court process work for a felon in possession case?
After arrest, the defendant appears before a federal magistrate judge for an initial appearance, followed by a detention hearing to determine whether the defendant stays in custody pending trial. Within 30 days of arrest, the government must obtain an indictment from a grand jury. The defendant is then arraigned, and a discovery period begins. Most federal cases resolve through plea negotiations, but if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Sentencing follows the United States Sentencing Guidelines with judicial discretion. The firm’s attorneys guide clients through each step.
Can a federal felon in possession charge be dismissed?
Yes, under certain circumstances a federal felon in possession charge can be dismissed—for example, if the search that uncovered the firearm violated the Fourth Amendment, or if the government cannot prove the defendant was actually a prohibited person or that the object was a firearm. Other grounds include insufficient evidence of interstate commerce nexus or a valid self-defense or necessity defense, though these are rare. Our firm evaluates each case individually to identify constitutional and statutory challenges. No outcome can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but early investigation increases the chances of a favorable resolution.
For additional information about federal criminal representation, visit our Federal Criminal Defense practice page. If you are in Roanoke, see our Felon in Possession lawyer in Roanoke page.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.