Felon In Possession Lawyer Loudoun Virginia — Federal Gun Charge Defense
A federal felon in possession charge in Loudoun County, Virginia, is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years if you have three prior violent felony convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious federal charges. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep federal court experience. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Federal Felon in Possession Statute in Virginia
Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), prohibits any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year from possessing any firearm or ammunition. This statute is the primary tool for federal prosecutors in Loudoun County, which falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. A conviction is a federal felony with severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and the permanent loss of gun rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the federal statute, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defending a Federal Gun Charge in Loudoun County
Federal gun charges in Loudoun are investigated by agencies like the ATF or FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. A strong defense requires challenging the government’s proof that you knowingly possessed the firearm and that your prior conviction qualifies under the statute. The procedural path is complex, moving from initial appearance to potential trial in federal court.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a federal magistrate judge. Your attorney will argue for your release on bond.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. At arraignment, you formally hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer reviews all evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional violations occurred.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with federal prosecutors for a potential plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which often mandate severe penalties for felon in possession charges.
Potential Penalties for a Federal Felon in Possession Conviction
In Loudoun County, a federal conviction for felon in possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, but enhanced penalties can apply.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Supervised Release | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years | Permanent loss of gun rights, felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) | Federal Felony (Enhanced) | Mandatory 15 years to Life | Up to $250,000 | 3-5 years | Applies with 3+ prior violent felony or serious drug convictions. |
*Maximum base penalty. Sentences are guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal and State Gun Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our criminal defense team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience and formerly held a contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing him with extensive courtroom and procedural insight. We approach federal gun charges with a detailed understanding of both the statutory elements and the local federal court’s tendencies.
While specific federal case results are not disclosed, our firm’s collaborative approach leverages the experience of attorneys like Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, to build defenses against serious federal allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Near Loudoun County, VA
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Ashburn Location: 20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Room No. 403, Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Ashburn location serves clients facing federal charges in Loudoun County. We are accessible to residents of Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill. If you need a federal criminal defense lawyer near Loudoun County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Felon in Possession Charges in Loudoun, VA
Is felon in possession a state or federal charge in Virginia?
It can be both. Virginia has its own state law (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), but cases are often adopted federally, especially if there’s an interstate nexus or involvement of federal agencies. A criminal attorney must determine which jurisdiction is pursuing you.
What is the main defense to a federal felon in possession charge?
It depends. Common defenses include challenging whether you knowingly possessed the firearm, the legality of the search and seizure, or whether your prior conviction legally disqualifies you. A skilled defense lawyer will attack the prosecution’s evidence on all fronts.
Can I get probation for a federal gun charge?
For a standard conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), probation alone is highly unlikely due to federal sentencing guidelines. However, a criminal court lawyer may negotiate a plea for a sentence below the guideline range or pursue pre-trial diversion in rare, qualifying circumstances.
What happens at a federal arraignment?
At arraignment in U.S. District Court, the judge reads the charges, ensures you have a lawyer, and asks for your plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). This is a critical step where your attorney begins formal criminal charges defense proceedings.
How long does a federal gun case take?
Under the Speedy Trial Act, trial should start within 70 days of indictment. However, complex cases often take 6-18 months due to motions and negotiations. Your attorney will guide you through the timeline.
If you are under investigation or charged, contact a felon in possession lawyer Loudoun Virginia immediately. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Internal Resources: For related legal help, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub, or learn about DUI defense in Loudoun County. For defense in neighboring areas, consider our federal criminal lawyer for Arlington County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Loudoun County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on felon in possession cases in Virginia explains each stage.