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 Rockingham County, Virginia. You need a Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Rockingham County to handle these complex federal charges.
Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in Rockingham 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 parts and kits designed to convert a firearm into a machine gun. Violations are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, with cases often originating from investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | U.S. Department of Justice
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm is committed to defending clients across state and federal lines.
For the full text of the federal machine gun prohibition, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For the definition of a machine gun, see 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) (U.S. Department of Justice — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue machine gun possession charges under federal statutes. We have observed that ATF agents often rely on informants and undercover operations to build these cases. Early intervention by a Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Rockingham County can make a critical difference.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence and documentation related to the case.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial conditions.
- Work with your lawyer to challenge the legality of any search or seizure.
- Explore potential defense strategies, including lack of knowledge or procedural violations.
In Rockingham County, possession or use of a machine gun carries a federal penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, 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 prohibition | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole |
| 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 | 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. 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, Advocacy Without Borders, has handled complex federal criminal cases, including machine gun possession charges, in Rockingham County and throughout 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 25 documented results in Rockingham County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 25 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic and reckless driving cases, demonstrating our firm’s commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Rockingham County.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Harrisonburg Division), with access via I-81 and Route 33. We serve as a Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer near Rockingham County. Serving the communities of Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Dayton, Elkton, Timberville, and Broadway. 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 About Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Charges in Rockingham County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Rockingham County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Rockingham County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court (53 Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801).
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Rockingham County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Rockingham County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Rockingham County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Rockingham County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Rockingham County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Rockingham County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Rockingham County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Rockingham County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical.
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Rockingham County?
Rockingham County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Rockingham County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court (53 Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801) is the GDC location.
Rockingham County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Rockingham County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
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.
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 may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, 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. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Learn more about our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia services. For related localities, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County pages. Explore other practice areas in Rockingham County, including Partnership Lawyer Rockingham County and Consumer Protection Lawyer Rockingham County.
Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-02
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.