Felon In Possession Lawyer King George Virginia — Federal Gun Charge Defense
A federal felon in possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) in King George, Virginia, 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 federal court experience. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal Law on Felon in Possession Charges
Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), makes it a crime for any person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison to possess a firearm or ammunition. This statute is the primary tool used by federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes King George County. The law applies if the firearm has traveled in interstate commerce, which is almost always the case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
The charge is a federal felony. If you have three prior convictions for a “violent felony” or a “serious drug offense,” the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) triggers a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum of life. Even without ACCA enhancement, the maximum penalty is 10 years. Your case would be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and heard in federal court, not the local King George County courts.
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.
Defending a Federal Gun Charge in King George
Federal gun charges are investigated by agencies like the ATF, FBI, or DEA, often in conjunction with local King George County Sheriff’s Office. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are federal, not state. All proceedings occur in federal court. A strong defense requires challenging the government’s proof that you knowingly possessed the firearm and that you have a qualifying prior conviction. Investigations often involve confidential informants and controlled operations.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Federal agents execute search warrants or make arrests, often with local law enforcement support.
- Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: You appear before a federal magistrate judge who advises you of charges and determines if you will be released or held pending trial.
- Grand Jury Indictment: A federal grand jury reviews evidence and issues a formal indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: You enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in federal district court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense lawyer reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a federal jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Potential Penalties for a Federal Felon in Possession Conviction
In King George County, a federal felon in possession conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carries a maximum of 10 years in federal prison, but the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) can mandate a 15-year minimum.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Supervised Release | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years; 15-year min. if ACCA applies | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years | Permanent loss of gun rights, felony record, impact on immigration status, difficulty finding employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of federal prosecutions and the distinct strategies required compared to state court. Our approach is grounded in thorough case analysis and aggressive advocacy.
For federal charges like felon in possession, Mr. Sris collaborates with Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into complex case dynamics.
Local Defense for King George County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax Location serves clients facing federal charges originating in King George County and the Dahlgren area. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. As a federal criminal defense lawyer near King George, we represent clients in communities like King George and Dahlgren.
FAQs: Felon in Possession Charges in King George
What is the federal law for felon in possession in Virginia?
Yes. The primary law is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). It prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable by over one year in prison from possessing a firearm or ammunition that has traveled in interstate commerce. This is a federal charge prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not local King George County authorities.
Can a felon in possession charge be dropped?
It depends. A skilled criminal court lawyer can file motions to challenge the legality of the search, the proof of possession, or the validity of the prior conviction. If the government’s evidence is weak or was obtained illegally, charges may be reduced or dismissed. Every case requires a detailed review of the facts and investigation.
What is the sentence for a federal gun charge?
The standard maximum is 10 years in federal prison. However, if the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) applies due to three prior violent felony or serious drug offense convictions, a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence is triggered. Fines can reach $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal gun charge?
Yes. Federal charges are exceptionally serious with severe, long-term penalties. The procedures are complex and differ from state court. You need a defense lawyer with specific experience in federal criminal practice to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and negotiate with federal prosecutors.
What defenses are available?
Common defenses include challenging whether you actually “possessed” the firearm, arguing the search violating the Fourth Amendment, contesting whether your prior conviction qualifies under the law, or asserting that you had your civil rights restored. A criminal charges defense strategy is built on the specific facts of your case.
Related Legal Help in King George County
If you are facing other charges, our firm can help. We also handle DUI cases in King George County and business law matters. For all federal criminal defense in Virginia, see our Virginia federal criminal lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Albemarle County and Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on felon in possession charges.