Felon in Possession Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is illegal for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County. A conviction carries up to 10 years in federal prison. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia prosecutes these cases. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Felon in Possession Charges Under Federal Law
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is a federal crime for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, ship, transport, or receive any firearm or ammunition. This statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions in any jurisdiction. The charge is a Class C felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. If the firearm is used in connection with a drug trafficking crime, a mandatory minimum of 5 years applies under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia has jurisdiction over these cases in Bedford County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (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.
Official Federal Statutes and Resources
Insider Perspective on Federal Felon in Possession Cases in Bedford County
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for felon in possession cases involving prior violent felonies. We have observed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Roanoke often files notice of prior convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e) to trigger the Armed Career Criminal Act, which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of lawful firearm possession.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for potential procedural defects.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution.
- Prepare for trial if necessary, focusing on challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
In Bedford County, a felon in possession of a firearm charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | No direct license impact | Federal supervised release; loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
| Felon in Possession with Drug Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Class A Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | No direct license impact | Enhanced penalties; no parole; mandatory supervised release |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. We understand the details of federal sentencing guidelines and the strategies used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Your Federal 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
Case Results in Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County. While specific case results for federal felon in possession charges are not available for this jurisdiction, our firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 120 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
Felon in Possession lawyer near Bedford County.
Serving the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
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 About Felon in Possession Charges in Bedford County
What is the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm in federal court?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), a felon in possession of a firearm faces up to 10 years in federal prison. If the firearm is used in connection with a drug trafficking crime, a mandatory minimum of 5 years applies under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia handles these cases.
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. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Bedford 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. 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 of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm 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(g)(1) to build the strongest possible defense.
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. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: May 2026