A Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for any person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, Virginia, and can help you handle these serious federal charges.
Felon in Possession Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is a federal crime for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, receive, or transport a firearm or ammunition. This statute applies to individuals with prior felony convictions, regardless of whether the underlying conviction was in state or federal court. The law is designed to prevent individuals deemed dangerous from accessing firearms. A violation of this statute carries severe penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release. The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed a firearm and that you had a prior felony conviction. Defenses may include challenging the legality of the search, arguing that you did not know the firearm was present, or demonstrating that your prior conviction does not qualify as a predicate felony under federal law.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the official text of the statute, visit: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site).
For federal sentencing guidelines, visit: U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses. We have observed that the government often relies on constructive possession theories, meaning they may argue you had control over the firearm even if it was not on your person.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer Chesapeake immediately upon arrest or investigation.
- Do not consent to any searches or questioning without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any documentation of the alleged firearm.
- Your attorney will file a motion to suppress if the search was unlawful.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea agreement or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, a Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms license revoked; may affect professional licenses | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of voting rights; immigration consequences |
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 complex federal criminal defense matters, including Felon in Possession cases, throughout 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 extensive criminal defense experience in Chesapeake, Virginia, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for Felon in Possession charges in Chesapeake are not available, the firm has a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond 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.
Felon in Possession lawyer near 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. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felon in Possession Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
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 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.).
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesapeake, 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against felon in possession of a firearm charges?
Defense strategies for felon in possession of a firearm 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(g)(1) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing felon in possession of a firearm charges in Virginia, contact a 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 federal law require prompt action.
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Last updated: 2026-05-02