Possession or Use of a Machine Gun Lawyer in King William County, VA
Possession or use of a machine gun in King William County is a serious felony under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) and Virginia law (Va. Code § 18.2-288). Conviction can result in a mandatory minimum 10-year federal prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients against serious weapons charges in Virginia.
Statutory Definition of Machine Gun Charges
Under Virginia law, a “machine gun” is defined as any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This includes the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled. The primary statute governing this offense is Va. Code § 18.2-288.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s weapons statutes, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website. Court information for King William County can be found at the Virginia Courts website.
Defending Machine Gun Charges in King William County
Charges for possession or use of a machine gun are prosecuted aggressively in King William County. These cases often involve both state and federal authorities, as the National Firearms Act (NFA) heavily regulates these weapons. A conviction carries severe, life-altering penalties.
- Initial Arrest & Charges: You may be arrested by local police, sheriff’s deputies, or federal agents (ATF). Charges will be filed in King William County General District Court for state offenses or in U.S. District Court for federal charges.
- Bond Hearing: For state charges, a bond hearing is held at the King William County General District Court. For federal charges, an initial appearance and detention hearing are held in Richmond.
- Preliminary Hearing (State): A hearing is held in King William County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury (Federal): Federal charges require an indictment by a grand jury convened in the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the legality of the search, or dispute the weapon’s classification. Extensive discovery is exchanged.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in King William County Circuit Court (state) or U.S. District Court (federal), or a negotiated plea may be reached to reduce charges.
Potential Penalties for Machine Gun Offenses
In King William County, possession or use of a machine gun is a Class 4 felony under state law, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Federal penalties are typically more severe.
| Charge | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Machine Gun (Va. Code § 18.2-288) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Federal prosecution likely; felony record |
| Use of Machine Gun in Felony (Va. Code § 18.2-289) | Separate Felony | Mandatory 3 years consecutive to other sentences | Discretionary | Loss of firearm rights permanently | Extreme sentencing enhancement |
| Possession of Unregistered NFA Weapon (26 U.S.C. § 5861) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Loss of firearm rights | Forfeiture of weapon; federal supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Weapons Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the technical definitions and legal nuances involved in defending against charges for possession or use of a machine gun. Our approach involves scrutinizing the evidence regarding the weapon’s functionality, the legality of the search and seizure, and your intent. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious criminal allegations.
Our defense team also includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides an advantage in complex cases involving technical evidence.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm has a documented history of defending clients against serious felony charges in Virginia. We focus on building a strong defense from the outset. In weapons cases, this can involve challenging the chain of custody of the evidence, filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search, negotiating with prosecutors for charge reductions, or taking a case to trial when necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for King William County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County, including the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett. We represent individuals at the King William County General District Court and Circuit Court. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. As an automatic weapon charge defense lawyer King William County residents can consult, we are accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a “machine gun” under Virginia law?
Yes. Virginia law defines a machine gun as any firearm that can fire more than one shot automatically with a single trigger pull. This includes conversion kits, parts, or any combination designed to make a weapon fully automatic. The legal definition is broad and technical.
Can I legally own a machine gun in Virginia?
It depends. Ownership is heavily restricted under the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). It requires extensive background checks, registration with the ATF, payment of a $200 tax stamp, and approval from local law enforcement. Mere possession without full compliance is a felony. A machine gun possession lawyer King William County can review the specific legality of your situation.
What should I do if I’m arrested for possession of a machine gun?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. These are federal-level serious charges where anything you say will be used against you. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately to begin building your defense.
What are the best defenses against a machine gun charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search (Fourth Amendment), proving the weapon was not functional as a machine gun, demonstrating lack of knowledge or intent to possess, or arguing entrapment. The specific defense depends entirely on the facts of your case.
Will I face state or federal charges?
You could face both. It is common for state authorities to file charges under Va. Code § 18.2-288, while federal authorities may file parallel charges under the NFA. Prosecutors often collaborate, and the case may be tried in either system, though federal penalties are generally more severe.
If you need a possession or use of a machine gun lawyer King William County trusts, contact us. For other legal needs in the area, consider our King William County DUI lawyer or Henrico County criminal defense lawyer. Learn more about our firm on our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.