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 Goochland County and across Virginia. Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, leads the firm’s federal criminal defense practice.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Goochland 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 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 the frame or receiver of such a weapon, any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and 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 in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) or Western District of Virginia (WDVA), depending on where the offense occurred. Goochland County falls within the EDVA’s Richmond Division.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal criminal defense in Goochland County.
For the full text of the 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 the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges with aggressive mandatory minimum sentences. The EDVA is known for its “rocket docket” — cases move quickly from indictment to trial, often within 60-90 days. We have observed that early intervention by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is critical to preserving your rights and exploring all available defenses.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents, electronic devices, and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately — call (888) 437-7747.
- Review the indictment or potential charges with your attorney to understand the allegations.
- Prepare for court proceedings, including initial appearance, detention hearing, and arraignment.
- Work with your attorney to develop a defense strategy, which may include challenging the search, the chain of custody, or the definition of a machine gun.
In Goochland County, possession or use of a machine gun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession or Use of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition (lifetime) | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole in federal system |
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 courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal cases, including machine gun possession charges, and has a deep understanding of federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum statutes.
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 Goochland County and across Virginia. While specific case results for federal machine gun possession charges in Goochland County are not available, the firm has 5 documented results in Goochland County across criminal and traffic matters: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in reported instances. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and Route 250. If you are searching for a machine gun possession lawyer Goochland County or an automatic weapon charge defense lawyer Goochland County, we serve the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | 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. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG).
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. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 Goochland County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern 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 Eastern 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, 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.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find these pages useful: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County, Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County, Licensing Lawyer Goochland County, and Landlord Tenant Lawyer Goochland County.
Last verified: May 2026