Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Possession or use of a machine gun is a serious federal offense prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) and related statutes, carrying severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these charges in Greene County, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
Understanding Federal Machine Gun Charges
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) generally prohibits the possession or transfer of a machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986, unless specifically authorized for law enforcement or military 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. Violations are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Greene County. Convictions carry penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924, including up to 10 years imprisonment for possession and enhanced penalties for use during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Our firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Official Legal References
Local Procedural Insights for Greene County Federal Cases
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek indictments through federal grand juries in Roanoke or Charlottesville divisions. We have observed that federal agents from the ATF and FBI often lead investigations in Greene County, with initial appearances held at the Charlottesville division.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present — anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve any documentation related to the firearm, including purchase records or registration papers.
- Request a detention hearing promptly if you are arrested, as federal pretrial release is not guaranteed.
- Work with your attorney to identify any potential defenses, such as lack of knowledge or lawful authorization.
- Consider whether cooperation or a plea agreement may be in your experienced interest based on the evidence.
- Prepare for a timeline of 6 to 18 months from indictment to resolution, depending on case complexity.
In Greene County, possession or use of a machine gun under federal law carries severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses.
| 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 prohibition | Loss of voting rights; supervised release up to 3 years |
| 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 prohibition | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Possession of an Unregistered Machine Gun (26 U.S.C. § 5861) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Forfeiture of the firearm; supervised release |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Defense
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%. Our firm has extensive criminal defense experience handling complex federal cases, including machine gun charges, in the Western District of Virginia. We provide 24/7 availability and consultation by appointment.
Your 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
Our Track Record
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Greene County and throughout Virginia. While specific case results for federal machine gun charges in Greene County are not available, our firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 70 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Charlottesville Division), with access via Route 29 and Route 33. We serve clients throughout Greene County, including Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Looking for a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer near Greene County? We are available 24/7 for phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Serving the communities of Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (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 U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
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 Greene 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 Criminal general 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.
Related Practice Areas
Last verified: May 2026