Use Of A Firearm In Crime Of Violence Lawyer in Washington, D.C., DC
A charge for the use of a firearm in a crime of violence in Washington, D.C., is a severe felony under D.C. Code § 22-4504, carrying a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal help for these charges. You need an attorney with deep knowledge of the unique federal-local hybrid system in DC. Contact us for a legal consultation.
DC Law on Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence
In Washington, D.C., the use of a firearm during a crime of violence is prosecuted under D.C. Code § 22-4504. This statute imposes severe mandatory penalties on top of the underlying violent offense. The law defines a “crime of violence” broadly, including offenses like armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carjacking. The prosecution must prove you possessed and actively employed the firearm to further the violent crime. Conviction results in a mandatory prison sentence consecutive to any sentence for the underlying crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code Council
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to D.C. Code § 22-4504 (official DC Council). All criminal proceedings for this charge are held at the DC Superior Court.
handling a Firearm Enhancement Charge in DC Superior Court
DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Avenue NW handles all local criminal cases, including firearm enhancements. The United States Attorney’s Office for DC (USAO-DC) prosecutes these cases, not a local district attorney. This creates a unique procedural field where federal prosecutors apply D.C. Code. The Pretrial Services Agency, a federal entity, handles release decisions instead of traditional cash bail. An experienced lawyer understands how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence linking the firearm directly to the act of violence, which is a required element.
- Initial Arrest & Arraignment: You will be processed by MPD and arraigned at DC Superior Court within 24 hours. The court will address detention via the Pretrial Services Agency.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony charges, the USAO-DC will present evidence to a grand jury to secure a formal indictment.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the “crime of violence” classification, or seek dismissal.
- Plea Negotiations: Given mandatory minimums, negotiations often focus on reducing the underlying charge to a non-violent offense to avoid the enhancement.
- Trial: If no plea is reached, a jury trial will be held in DC Superior Court where the government must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: Upon conviction, the judge must impose the mandatory sentence for the firearm enhancement consecutive to the sentence for the main crime.
Potential Penalties for Use of a Firearm in DC
In Washington, D.C., a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under D.C. Code § 22-4504 carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment for the first offense, which must run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying crime.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence (1st offense) | Felony | Mandatory min. 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $125,000 | Federal firearm prohibition, permanent felony record, supervised release. |
| Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence (2nd/subsequent offense) | Felony | Mandatory min. 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Enhanced penalties, longer supervised release term. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Firearm Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our team understands the high-stakes nature of firearm enhancement charges in DC’s unique judicial system. We have a documented record of advocating for clients facing serious felony allegations.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach is built on thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy. In Washington, D.C., we focus on building defenses that challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove the necessary link between the firearm and a predicate crime of violence. For a legal consultation specific to your situation, contact our office. Our secondary attorney on DC criminal matters, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former certification for death penalty cases and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for DC Firearm Charges
Our Arlington location serves clients in Washington, D.C., and is approximately 3 miles from the DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395 and I-66. We provide legal help as a use of a firearm in a crime of violence lawyer near Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and surrounding neighborhoods. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 273-4104
By appointment only.
FAQs: Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence in DC
What qualifies as a “crime of violence” for a firearm enhancement in DC?
It depends. D.C. Code defines it broadly, including armed robbery, carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, and mayhem. The list is extensive, and the classification of the underlying offense is often a key point of legal contention that a lawyer can challenge.
Can the mandatory minimum sentence be reduced or avoided?
It depends. While the judge must impose the mandatory minimum upon conviction, a skilled attorney may negotiate a plea to a lesser, non-violent offense that does not trigger the enhancement. Success depends on the case’s specific facts and evidence.
Who prosecutes these charges in Washington, D.C.?
Criminal cases in DC are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for DC (USAO-DC), not a local DA. DC is federal territory where local crimes under D.C. Code are prosecuted by federal prosecutors.
Does DC use cash bail for these charges?
No. DC uses the Pretrial Services Agency (a federal agency) to assess risk and recommend release conditions — not cash bail. Most defendants are released without posting money.
Do I need a lawyer for a firearm enhancement charge?
Yes. The mandatory prison sentences and complex federal-local hybrid prosecution make experienced legal help critical. Contact our office for a legal consultation to discuss your defense.
Related Legal Help in Washington, D.C.
If you are facing other serious charges, our firm provides representation across practice areas. You may also need a divorce and family law lawyer in Washington, D.C. for related matters, or a reckless driving lawyer in Washington, D.C.. For broader criminal defense resources, visit our DC criminal defense lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
An use of a firearm in crime of violence case is one part of our Washington DC federal practice, and our page on federal criminal lawyer Washington DC covers how these matters are handled.