Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to ship, transport, possess, or receive any firearm or ammunition that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. This federal statute applies to all individuals with prior felony convictions, regardless of whether the underlying offense involved violence. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed a firearm and that the firearm was in or affecting interstate commerce. A conviction under this statute is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. If you have three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing federal firearm charges across Virginia.
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Cornell LII — official site). For Virginia state firearm prohibitions, see Va. Code § 18.2-308.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely rely on constructive possession theories to prove firearm possession. We have observed that federal agents often use joint-occupancy searches to establish constructive possession, even when the firearm is not found on your person. The government must prove you knew the firearm was present and had the ability to control it.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or person without a warrant.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately upon arrest.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, phone records, and witness contact information.
- Contact a Felon in Possession lawyer Virginia as soon as possible to review the indictment.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your legal counsel.
- Attend all court hearings and comply with pretrial release conditions.
In Virginia, a federal Felon in Possession charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) carries a statutory maximum of 10 years imprisonment, with enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felon in Possession (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition (lifetime) | Loss of voting rights; ineligibility for federal benefits; deportation for non-citizens |
| Armed Career Criminal (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)) | Enhanced Felony | Mandatory minimum 15 years to life | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearm prohibition (lifetime) | No parole in federal system; 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%. Our firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including Felon in Possession charges, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia and the Eastern District of Virginia. We understand the federal sentencing guidelines and the strategies used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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 Virginia: firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, we have 4,739+ documented results with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 70 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-64 and I-81. We serve as a Felon in Possession lawyer near Virginia. Serving the communities of all Virginia communities. 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
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax County Circuit Court (felony) (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) — consultation by appointment at (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 See Criminal general statutes — verify specific section for Felon In Possession Of A Firearm 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 Virginia law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of a firearm by a felon charges?
Defense strategies for possession of a firearm by a felon in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under See Criminal general statutes — verify specific section for Possession Of A Firearm By A Felon to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession of a firearm by a felon charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of a firearm by a felon 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 Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages. For related practice areas, see Confidentiality Agreement Lawyer Virginia or Business Succession Lawyer Virginia.
Last verified: May 2026