Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
A federal charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Henrico County, VA. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) — Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. A “crime of violence” includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and certain conspiracy charges. The statute imposes mandatory minimum sentences: 5 years for possession, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying offense. 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).
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern 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. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters.
Official Legal References
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code)
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov)
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearm Charges in Henrico County
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimums under § 924(c). The Richmond Division handles cases originating in Henrico County. We have observed that federal agents from the ATF and FBI often lead investigations involving firearm-related crimes of violence.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications and records.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Attend all court appearances as directed by your attorney.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations and trial strategy.
Penalties for Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
In Henrico County, a federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences that are consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use, carry, or possess firearm during crime of violence | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Loss of federal benefits, supervised release |
| Brandishing firearm during crime of violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Loss of federal benefits, supervised release |
| Discharging firearm during crime of violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Loss of federal benefits, supervised release |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm Charge 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%. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects our commitment to providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation for clients facing serious federal charges. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters, including use of a firearm in a crime of violence charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
Your Legal 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 Henrico County
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 cases in Henrico County General District Court and Henrico County Circuit Court. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) at 701 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219, with access via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve as a use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer near Henrico County. 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Firearm Charges 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.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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 than state charges.
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 at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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. § 922 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
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.
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
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Last verified: May 2026 | Content updated for accuracy.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.