A federal charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, Virginia, and provides representation for clients facing these serious federal allegations.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal crime to use or carry a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence, or to possess a firearm in furtherance of such a crime. A “crime of violence” is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 16 as an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or any felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force may be used. In Chesapeake, Virginia, these charges are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division). A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying crime of violence. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the federal statute governing use of a firearm in a crime of violence, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For the definition of a crime of violence, see 18 U.S.C. § 16 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence under § 924(c) and rarely offer plea agreements that waive the gun enhancement. We have observed that the government’s evidence often hinges on witness testimony or surveillance footage linking the firearm to the predicate offense.
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the firearm’s lawful ownership or possession.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately to discuss your case.
- Review the indictment with your attorney to identify any procedural or factual deficiencies.
- Consider whether a motion to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment is appropriate.
- Prepare for the possibility of trial, as federal gun charges rarely resolve without litigation.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, a federal charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that must be served consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use or Carry Firearm During Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandishing Firearm During Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharging Firearm During Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including those involving firearms and crimes of violence, and provides dedicated representation for clients in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, including a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While no locality-specific case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic, the firm’s extensive experience in federal criminal defense demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond, Virginia is approximately 90 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division), with access via I-64 and I-464. We serve as a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Chesapeake and also as a 924c charge defense lawyer Chesapeake and gun enhancement defense lawyer Chesapeake. Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges in Chesapeake
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesapeake (City), Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against use of a firearm in crime of violence charges?
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies for use of a firearm in crime of violence in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
What should I do if I am facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia?
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
If facing use of a firearm in crime of violence charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our pages on Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesterfield County useful. For related practice areas in Chesapeake, see Business Dissolution Lawyer Chesapeake and Civil Litigation Lawyer Chesapeake.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in federal law and local court procedures.