Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), carrying severe penalties including up to 10 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Augusta County, Virginia, and provides dedicated representation for federal firearm charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Under Federal Law
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), it is unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except as authorized by the Attorney General for official use. A machine gun is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) as any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, with cases heard at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious federal charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII)
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Federal Machine Gun Charges in Augusta County
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, federal prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges with aggressive mandatory minimum sentencing. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough examination of the government’s evidence are critical to building a strong defense.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documentation related to the alleged offense.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for procedural or constitutional errors.
- Explore all defense strategies, including motions to suppress.
- Prepare for potential plea negotiations or trial.
In Augusta County, Virginia, possession or use of a machine gun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries severe federal penalties including up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release; loss of firearm rights |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | 30 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release; loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Criminal 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 is dedicated to providing aggressive representation for clients facing federal charges, including possession or use of a machine gun. We understand the details of federal court and work tirelessly to protect your rights.
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 Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Augusta County, with 13 total documented case results across all practice areas. While specific federal case results are not available for this jurisdiction, our firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 60 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-81 and I-64. We serve as a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Augusta County, providing dedicated federal criminal defense.
Serving the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Machine Gun 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. This applies to possession or use of a machine gun charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), heard at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties 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.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines.
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. 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.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession or use of a machine gun charges?
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun 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(o) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies for possession or use of a machine gun in Virginia may include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia?
If facing possession or use of a machine gun 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.
If facing possession or use of a machine gun charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02