Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) and § 924(c), carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences of 30 years to life for certain violations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal Statute for Possession or Use of a Machine Gun
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) generally prohibits the possession or transfer of a machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986. Additionally, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) imposes mandatory minimum sentences for using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. 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. 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 in Roanoke.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm has handled numerous federal criminal defense matters across Virginia.
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Federal Machine Gun Cases in Bedford County
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for machine gun offenses. We have observed that federal agents from the ATF and FBI conduct thorough investigations before charges are filed.
Early intervention by an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in case outcomes.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and documentation related to the case.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Understand that federal charges carry no parole eligibility.
- Prepare for a lengthy legal process that may take 6-18 months.
- Consider all defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
In Bedford County, Virginia, possession or use of a machine gun carries severe federal penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, substantial fines, and no parole eligibility.
| 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 | Federal firearm prohibition | No parole; supervised release |
| Use of a Machine Gun During Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | 30 years to life (mandatory minimum) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | No parole; consecutive sentence |
| Possession of an Unregistered Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition | No parole; forfeiture of firearm |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Criminal Defense in Bedford County?
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%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm is committed to providing aggressive representation for clients facing serious federal charges.
Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, founded the firm with a mission to provide high-quality legal defense. The firm’s federal criminal practice handles complex cases involving firearms, drug trafficking, fraud, and other federal offenses.
Your Federal Criminal 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 Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County and across Virginia. While specific case results for possession or use of a machine gun charges are not available for this jurisdiction, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous federal criminal cases. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location Serving Bedford County
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 and I-81.
If you are searching for a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Bedford County, we are here to help.
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 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. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole compared to state charges.
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 court in VA has stricter sentencing guidelines and no parole.
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.
Federal sentencing guidelines use a points system based on offense level and criminal history.
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 Federal Criminal general statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies 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.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone.
Related Legal Resources
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Last verified: May 2026
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
By appointment only.