Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Clarke 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 prison sentences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Clarke County, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal law under 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, including a machine gun, during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A conviction under these statutes can result in decades in federal prison. 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
18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code)
U.S. Attorney’s Office — Western District of Virginia (justice.gov)
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for machine gun offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the government’s evidence can lead to favorable negotiations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and documents related to the case.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for procedural errors.
- Explore potential defense strategies, including challenging the search or seizure.
- Prepare for a possible trial or plea negotiation.
In Clarke County, possession or use of a machine gun carries severe federal penalties including mandatory minimum prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| 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) | Loss of firearm rights, supervised release |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (if machine gun) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Consecutive sentence, no parole |
Results may vary.
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 amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce. The firm has 29 documented case results in Clarke County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
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 29 documented results in Clarke County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended, 8 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary.
Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Ashburn is approximately 30 miles from Clarke County General District Court, with access via Route 7 and Route 340.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer near Clarke County.
Serving the communities of Berryville, Boyce.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 279-0110 | Toll-Free: (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.
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 Clarke 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 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 statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02