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 Frederick County, Virginia, and provides representation at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Frederick County, Virginia
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) makes it unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun that was not lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986. 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 parts and conversion kits. 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 or Harrisonburg.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site)
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 cases across Virginia.
For the full text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses. We have observed that early intervention and a strong factual defense can lead to charge reductions or dismissals.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including digital records and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for procedural errors.
- Prepare for a detention hearing within 48 hours of arrest.
- Build a defense strategy focusing on statutory interpretation or factual innocence.
In Frederick County, possession or use of a machine gun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal 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 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, loss of firearm rights, potential forfeiture |
| 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 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole, supervised release, loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary.
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 cases, including firearm offenses. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm is committed to providing aggressive representation for clients facing serious federal charges.
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 37 documented results in Frederick County: 6 dismissed or not guilty, 21 reduced or amended, 6 deferred — a favorable-outcome rate of 89%. These results span traffic, criminal, and DUI cases. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 25 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Harrisonburg Division), with access via I-81 and Route 7. If you need a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Frederick County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Clear Brook, and Gore. 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
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 carry no parole and mandatory minimum sentences.
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 follows U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Frederick 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-based system.
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 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 federal law require prompt action. Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
Related Legal Services
For more information on federal criminal defense, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County. For related practice areas, see Business Compliance Lawyer Frederick County and Defamation Lawyer Frederick County.
Page Last verified: May 2026. All information is current as of this date.