Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County, Virginia, and can help you handle these serious charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges Under Federal Law
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A “crime of violence” under this statute includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and certain conspiracy charges. The law imposes severe penalties: a mandatory minimum of 5 years for the first offense, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying crime. In Bedford County, these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Roanoke Division). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII)
Official Legal References
For the full text of the statute, visit: 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see: U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
Insider Knowledge: How Federal Firearm Cases Are Handled in the Western District of Virginia
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimums under § 924(c). We have observed that the government often files these charges in conjunction with drug trafficking or violent crime indictments to pressure defendants into plea agreements.
Federal judges in the Roanoke Division are known for adhering closely to the sentencing guidelines, making pre-trial motions and negotiation critical.
An early, aggressive defense can sometimes lead to a reduction or dismissal of the § 924(c) count if the underlying crime does not qualify as a “crime of violence.”
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including phone records and surveillance footage.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment to identify potential defenses.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Prepare for trial or negotiate a favorable plea agreement.
Penalties for Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
In Bedford County, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries severe mandatory minimum sentences that run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use or carry firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandish firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharge firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Loss of firearm rights; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm Defense?
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 has extensive criminal defense experience handling complex federal cases, including those involving firearms and crimes of violence. We understand the high stakes and the unique procedural field of federal court.
Mr. Sris personally handles federal criminal defense matters, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor to anticipate government strategies. Our team includes Of Counsel attorneys with decades of experience in federal litigation.
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
Case Results in Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County. While no specific case results are available for this jurisdiction and topic, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented 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 Woodstock, VA is approximately 150 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via Route 460 and I-81.
If you need a 924c charge defense lawyer Bedford County or a gun enhancement defense lawyer Bedford County, we are here to help.
Serving the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence 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 in the U.S. District Court for the Western 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.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Bedford 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 follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which strongly influence the judge’s decision.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against use of a firearm in crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence 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. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
What should I do if I am facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia?
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence 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 and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page.
Explore related pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County.
Also see: Business Compliance Lawyer Bedford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer Bedford County.
Page Freshness and Disclaimer
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-01.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.