A Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) in Augusta County carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience handling federal firearm cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, ship, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions, regardless of the nature of the prior offense. A violation of § 922(g)(1) is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders under the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)), which mandates a minimum 15-year sentence for certain qualifying prior convictions. 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 Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official source)
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act for defendants with three or more prior violent felony or serious drug offense convictions. We have observed that early intervention — before an indictment is returned — can sometimes lead to pre-indictment negotiations that reduce exposure.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or federal agents without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and do not attempt to dispose of any firearms or ammunition.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer in Augusta County immediately to begin building a defense.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
- Work with your attorney to identify any potential defenses, such as challenging the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction.
- Consider cooperating with the government if advised by counsel, as substantial assistance may lead to a reduced sentence under USSG § 5K1.1.
In Augusta County, a Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, with mandatory minimums under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Enhanced Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years; up to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Augusta County, including documented results in traffic and criminal matters. While specific federal case results for Felon in Possession charges in Augusta County are not listed, the firm has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Woodstock, VA is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Roanoke Division), with access via I-81 and I-64. A Felon in Possession lawyer near Augusta County can provide critical representation. Serving the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (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.
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia and carry generally harsher penalties than state charges, with no parole in the federal system. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) apply, and mandatory minimum sentences are common for firearm offenses. An experienced Felon in Possession lawyer in Augusta County is critical to handling these complex proceedings at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
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.
Yes. Federal criminal cases in Virginia are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. The federal system has no parole, and the Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Augusta County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Western 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 felon in possession charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
Defense strategies for felon in possession in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced Felon in Possession lawyer in Augusta County evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) to build the strongest possible defense. A felon with firearm defense lawyer Augusta County can also explore arguments related to the legality of the search or the validity of the prior conviction. A prohibited person gun charge lawyer Augusta County will assess whether the defendant qualifies as a “prohibited person” under federal law.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a 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. A Felon in Possession lawyer in Augusta County can help protect your rights and build a defense.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Bedford County pages. Additionally, see our Defamation Lawyer Augusta County and Public Intoxication Lawyer Augusta County pages.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-01 to reflect current federal law and court procedures.