Unlawful dealing in firearms is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq., carrying severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences and no parole in the federal system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients in Henrico County facing these charges.
Unlawful Dealing in Firearms Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Federal unlawful dealing in firearms is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq. This statute makes it illegal to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, to sell firearms to prohibited persons, or to transfer firearms across state lines without proper authorization. The law applies to anyone who sells, trades, or transfers firearms as a regular course of trade or business without a federal firearms license (FFL). Violations can result in felony charges carrying up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and forfeiture of the firearms involved. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. 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 Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922
For the full text of the federal firearms statutes, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq. (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For Virginia-specific firearms laws, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue aggressive charging strategies in firearms cases. We have observed that federal agents, including ATF and FBI, often conduct undercover operations targeting unlicensed dealers. The government frequently uses confidential informants and recorded transactions to build cases.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present. Invoke your right to counsel immediately.
- Preserve all records of firearm transactions, including receipts, bills of sale, and correspondence.
- Do not destroy or alter any firearms or related documents. The government may view this as obstruction of justice.
- Contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Time is critical due to federal speedy trial deadlines.
- Review the indictment or criminal complaint with your lawyer to understand the specific charges and potential penalties.
- Prepare a defense strategy that may include challenging the legality of the investigation, the sufficiency of evidence, or the interpretation of the statute.
In Henrico County, unlawful dealing in firearms carries severe federal penalties including mandatory minimum sentences, substantial fines, and no possibility of parole in the federal system.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dealing in firearms without a license (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A)) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of right to possess firearms | Forfeiture of firearms; supervised release up to 3 years |
| Sale to prohibited person (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of right to possess firearms | Forfeiture of firearms; supervised release up to 3 years |
| False statement in firearm record (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Loss of right to possess firearms | Forfeiture of firearms; supervised release up to 3 years |
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’s commitment to “Advocacy Without Borders” means clients receive dedicated, experienced representation regardless of the complexity of their case. Mr. Sris personally handles federal criminal defense matters, bringing his background as a former prosecutor and his experience in complex litigation to every case.
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 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include dismissals, nolle prosequi, and reductions across various practice areas. The firm-wide total of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ demonstrates the firm’s extensive experience.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, with access via I-64, I-95, and I-295. If you need an Unlawful Dealing in Firearms lawyer near Henrico County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unlawful Dealing in Firearms in Henrico 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. This applies to unlawful dealing in firearms cases prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
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. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, handles cases in Henrico County.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court with harsher sentencing guidelines.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Henrico 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 follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against unlawful dealing in firearms charges?
Defense strategies for unlawful dealing in firearms 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 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense. An illegal gun sales defense lawyer Henrico County can help handle these complex issues.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
What should I do if I am facing unlawful dealing in firearms charges in Virginia?
If facing unlawful dealing in firearms 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. A firearms trafficking lawyer Henrico County can provide the guidance you need.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
What are the penalties for unlawful dealing in firearms in Virginia?
Penalties for unlawful dealing in firearms in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq., consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance. An Unlawful Dealing in Firearms lawyer Henrico County can evaluate your situation.
Penalties depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Learn more about our services: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County. Also see: Petit Larceny Lawyer Henrico County and Trespassing Lawyer Henrico County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-05-02.