Felon in Possession Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition. A conviction carries up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Goochland County and across Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal Felon in Possession Law: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
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, receive, or transport any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. The statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions in any state or federal jurisdiction. A violation of § 922(g)(1) is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the firearm and that you had a prior felony conviction. 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 Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
Official Legal References
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to felon in possession cases, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines § 2K2.1 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
Insider Knowledge: Federal Felon in Possession Cases in the Eastern District of Virginia
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced sentences under the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) for defendants with three or more prior violent felony or serious drug convictions. This can result in a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
We have observed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia is particularly aggressive in prosecuting felon in possession cases, often filing charges even when the firearm was not used in another crime.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer Goochland County immediately — do not speak to law enforcement without counsel.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Your attorney will review the indictment for procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Your attorney may file a motion to suppress evidence if the search was unlawful.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable plea or dismissal.
- If necessary, your attorney will prepare a defense for trial or advocate for a mitigated sentence under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
In Goochland County, a federal felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Enhanced penalties apply under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Enhanced Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years to life | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Felon in Possession 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%. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters, including felon in possession cases. The firm has extensive experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and understands the local procedures and prosecutorial strategies.
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 Goochland County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Goochland County: 1 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from Goochland County General District Court (2938 River Road West, Bldg G, Goochland, VA 23063), with access via I-64 and Route 6. We serve the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Goochland County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Goochland County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Goochland County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Goochland County General District Court (2938 River Road West, Bldg G, Goochland, VA 23063).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Goochland County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Goochland County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Goochland County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Goochland County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Goochland County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Goochland County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Goochland County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Goochland County?
Goochland County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Goochland County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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.
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 Goochland 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, 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 Augusta County pages. For other legal needs in Goochland County, see our Licensing Lawyer Goochland County or Landlord Tenant Lawyer Goochland County pages.
Last updated: 2026-05-01