Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Clarke County, Virginia, and provides 24/7 representation. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. A “crime of violence” is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 16 as an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person, or any felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk of physical force. Conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence 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. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Clarke County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (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, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Official Legal References
For the full text of the federal statute governing use of a firearm in a crime of violence, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For the definition of a crime of violence, see 18 U.S.C. § 16 (Cornell LII — official site).
Insider Procedural Edge: Federal Firearm Charges in Clarke County
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 relies on circumstantial evidence to prove the firearm nexus. Early intervention is critical to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications, receipts, and surveillance footage.
- Review the indictment for procedural errors or insufficient nexus allegations.
- Consider filing a motion to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful search or seizure.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney for a potential plea agreement or downward departure.
In Clarke County, Virginia, a federal conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences that run consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandishing a Firearm in Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharging a Firearm in Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; 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 handled numerous federal criminal cases, including those involving firearm enhancements under § 924(c). Mr. Sris personally oversees all federal matters, ensuring strategic and aggressive representation. We understand the details of federal sentencing guidelines and the mandatory minimums that apply to firearm offenses.
Your Federal 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 Clarke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 29 documented case results in Clarke County across all practice areas: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended, and 8 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. While these results are primarily in traffic matters, they demonstrate our firm’s commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients in Clarke County courts. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Ashburn, VA is approximately 25 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Harrisonburg Division), with access via Route 7 and I-81. We serve the communities of Berryville and Boyce in Clarke County. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 279-0110 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
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. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), the mandatory minimums are severe and run consecutively. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia handles these cases.
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 Clarke 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 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.
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 Virginia law require prompt action.
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. You may also find these related pages useful: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County, Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Augusta County, Partnership Dispute Lawyer Clarke County, and Business Contract Lawyer Clarke County.
Page Last verified: May 2026. Content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current law.