Felon In Possession Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
A federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) is a serious felony prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are facing this charge in Chesterfield County, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense against these criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Felon in Possession Statute
Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), makes it unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to possess any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This statute is the primary tool used by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes Chesterfield County. A conviction carries severe penalties, including a potential 10-year mandatory minimum sentence if the defendant has three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA).
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on federal court procedures in Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Local Federal Court Process for a Felon in Possession Lawyer Chesterfield Virginia
Federal cases in Chesterfield County are typically handled by the Richmond Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The process is distinct from state court. Investigations are conducted by federal agencies like the ATF or FBI, and cases are prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys. The federal system has strict procedural rules and sentencing guidelines that a skilled criminal court lawyer must handle.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will appear before a federal magistrate judge, be informed of the charges, and enter a plea.
- Detention Hearing: The government may seek to detain you without bond. Your lawyer will argue for your release under specific conditions.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your defense team will review all evidence, including search warrants, forensic reports, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or to challenge the legal sufficiency of the charge.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal district court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, either by plea or trial, sentencing follows under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider criminal history and specific offense characteristics.
Potential Penalties for Federal Felon in Possession
In Chesterfield 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 penalties increase significantly with prior convictions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Supervised Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years |
| Armed Career Criminal (ACCA) | Enhanced Federal Felony | 15 years to Life (mandatory min.) | Up to $250,000 | Up to 5 years |
*A mandatory minimum 10-year sentence applies with three prior ACCA-qualifying convictions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of federal court and provide a case-specific approach for every client facing serious criminal charges defense.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific federal results are confidential, our firm’s approach is built on meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy. For example, in state-level matters in Chesterfield County, we have secured dismissals for charges like “Profane Language Over Public Airway” and “Purchase/Possess Alcohol.” We apply the same diligent defense strategy to federal cases. Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, contributes significant depth to our federal defense team.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing federal charges in Chesterfield County. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 1. We serve communities including Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 477-1723
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs for a Felon In Possession Lawyer Chesterfield Virginia
What makes a federal felon in possession charge different from a state charge?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys, involve federal agencies like the ATF, and are tried in U.S. District Court under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)). Penalties are often more severe, and there is no parole in the federal system.
Can I get bail in a federal felon in possession case?
It depends. After an initial appearance, a detention hearing is held. The judge considers flight risk, danger to the community, and the strength of the evidence. Your defense lawyer can argue for release under conditions like electronic monitoring or a secured bond.
What is the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA)?
The ACCA is a federal sentencing enhancement under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e). If a defendant convicted under § 922(g) has three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the mandatory minimum sentence increases from 0 to 15 years in prison.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal firearms charge?
Yes. The federal criminal justice system is complex, with intricate rules and severe penalties. A defense lawyer with federal experience is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for you at every stage, from arrest to sentencing.
What defenses are available to a felon in possession charge?
Potential defenses include challenging whether you actually “possessed” the firearm, whether the firearm traveled in interstate commerce, the validity of the search that found the weapon, or the legality of the prior felony conviction used to support the charge.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related local defense, consider a Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer for state charges. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.