Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using a firearm during a crime of violence 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia. A conviction can result in decades in federal prison with no parole.
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 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 another person, or any felony that by its nature involves a substantial risk of such force. This statute imposes mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying offense. The penalties escalate with aggravating factors: a brandished firearm triggers a 7-year mandatory minimum, and a discharged firearm triggers a 10-year mandatory minimum. Second or subsequent convictions carry a 25-year mandatory minimum. 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 — official site)
For the full text of the federal statute, 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 maximum mandatory minimums under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). We have observed that the government often charges the firearm enhancement even when the evidence of “use” is circumstantial.
- Secure legal representation immediately upon learning of a federal investigation.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents, communications, and records.
- Your attorney will challenge whether the underlying offense qualifies as a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16.
- Your attorney will examine all procedural aspects of the investigation for constitutional violations.
- Based on the evidence, your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for trial.
In Colonial Heights, Virginia, a conviction for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries severe mandatory minimum sentences that must run consecutively to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess Firearm During Crime of Violence (Basic) | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Brandished Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Discharged Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Second or Subsequent Conviction | Federal Felony | 25 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled extensive criminal defense experience in Colonial Heights and throughout Virginia. Mr. Sris personally brings a former prosecutor’s insight to every federal criminal case, understanding how the U.S. Attorney’s Office builds its cases.
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. While specific case results for Colonial Heights federal criminal matters are not available, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous federal criminal cases. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and I-295. If you are looking for a use of a firearm in crime of violence lawyer near Colonial Heights, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, and the Petersburg border. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.).
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Colonial Heights (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 follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which are advisory but strongly influence sentencing.
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 the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Related Legal Services
Learn more about our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia services. We also serve clients in other localities, including Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake. For other practice areas in Colonial Heights, see our Landlord Tenant Lawyer Colonial Heights and Consumer Protection Lawyer Colonial Heights pages.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-02.