Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Fredericksburg: Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using or carrying 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 Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Fredericksburg, Virginia
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) criminalizes the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm in furtherance of 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 the person or property of another, or any felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used. The penalty for a first offense under § 924(c) is a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. If the firearm is brandished, the mandatory minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. A second or subsequent conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to firearms offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual § 2K2 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimum sentences under § 924(c). We have observed that the government often charges the firearm enhancement even when the firearm was not used in a violent manner. The key is to challenge whether the predicate offense qualifies as a “crime of violence” under current case law.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately upon arrest or investigation.
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications and documents.
- Review the indictment to identify potential challenges to the predicate offense.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution.
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) for use of a firearm in a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use/Carry Firearm During Crime of Violence (first offense) | Federal Felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Brandishing Firearm During Crime of Violence | Federal Felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release |
| Discharging 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 § 924(c) 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%. The firm, operating under the tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” has extensive experience defending federal firearms charges, including 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) cases. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor to develop effective defense strategies.
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 documented case results across all practice areas, including federal criminal defense. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 45 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-95 and Route 1. We serve as a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer near Fredericksburg. Serving the communities of Fredericksburg, Downtown, Ferry Farm, Spotsylvania border, and Stafford border. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | 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 Fredericksburg (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.
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.
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.
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Last verified: May 2026