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 Fluvanna County, Virginia. The firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Fluvanna County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, except for certain limited exceptions. 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 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Fluvanna County. 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(o) (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the federal machine gun statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site). For the definition of a machine gun, see 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) (Cornell LII — official site).
In U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun charges aggressively due to the mandatory minimum sentences involved. We have observed that federal agents, including ATF, often rely on informants and surveillance to build these cases. Early intervention by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is critical to challenge the evidence and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation or arrest.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents, communications, and any items related to the case.
- Attend all court hearings, including initial appearance, detention hearing, and arraignment.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, including challenging the legality of the search or seizure.
- Consider negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea agreement or reduced charges if appropriate.
In Fluvanna County, possession or use of a machine gun carries severe federal penalties including up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| 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 firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole in federal system |
| Use of a Machine Gun During a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 30 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked | Supervised release up to 5 years; 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%. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including machine gun and firearm offenses, and has a deep understanding of federal sentencing guidelines and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Fluvanna County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific case results for Fluvanna County federal criminal matters are not available, the firm’s track record demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable results for clients. Results may vary.
Our location in Woodstock, VA is approximately 120 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-81 and Route 15. We serve as a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Fluvanna County. Serving the communities of Palmyra, Fork Union, and Lake Monticello. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges in Fluvanna County
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.
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 than state charges.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Fluvanna 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 federal statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
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 verified: May 2026