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 Dinwiddie County and across Virginia. The U.S.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A “crime of violence” includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and certain drug trafficking crimes. The statute imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first conviction, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying crime. 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)
For the full text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to firearm offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimums under § 924(c). We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the government’s evidence can sometimes lead to charge negotiations or sentencing reductions.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including any receipts, communications, or documents.
- Contact a federal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances to avoid additional charges.
- Review all discovery materials with your attorney to identify potential defenses.
- Consider the implications of a guilty plea, including mandatory minimums and sentencing guidelines.
In Dinwiddie County, 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 and no parole.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry/Possess Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandishing Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharging Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | 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. 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%. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm handles federal criminal defense matters throughout Virginia, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris personally oversees all federal cases, ensuring strategic and aggressive representation.
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 24 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 18 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 96%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and Route 1. If you are searching for a “federal criminal lawyer near Dinwiddie County,” we are here to help. Serving the communities of Dinwiddie and McKenney. 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
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.
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.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Dinwiddie County, 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 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. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
For more information on federal criminal defense, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find our pages on Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesterfield County useful. For related practice areas, see Business Succession Lawyer Dinwiddie County and Distribution Agreement Lawyer Dinwiddie County.
Last updated: 2026-05-02