Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia
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 to life, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Gloucester County, Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Charges Under Federal Law
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” under federal law includes offenses such as robbery, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and certain drug trafficking crimes. Conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for the first offense, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. If the firearm is a machinegun or equipped with a silencer, the mandatory minimum increases to 30 years. These sentences run consecutively to any sentence imposed for the underlying crime of violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) prosecutes these cases in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. A Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Gloucester County can help you understand the specific charges and potential defenses available under federal law.
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. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm has handled 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Official Federal Statutes and Court Resources
Insider Perspective on Federal Firearm Charges in EDVA
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, federal prosecutors routinely seek the maximum mandatory minimum sentences under § 924(c). The EDVA is known as the “rocket docket” because of its fast-paced case processing. We have observed that early intervention — before an indictment is returned — can sometimes lead to charge negotiation or diversion opportunities.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence — do not destroy or alter anything.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Understand that federal mandatory minimums apply and are consecutive.
- Prepare for a fast timeline — EDVA cases move quickly under the Speedy Trial Act.
- Consider whether a substantial assistance motion under USSG § 5K1.1 may be available.
Penalties for Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
In Gloucester County, Virginia, federal charges for use of a firearm in a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carry mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 5 years to life, consecutive to any other sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use or carry firearm during crime of violence (first offense) | Federal felony | 5 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Brandishing firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 7 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Discharging firearm during crime of violence | Federal felony | 10 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Use of machinegun or silencer during crime of violence | Federal felony | 30 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
| Second or subsequent conviction under § 924(c) | Federal felony | 25 years mandatory minimum (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | Federal firearms prohibition | Supervised release up to 5 years; no parole |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Firearm Defense
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 has extensive criminal defense experience in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, personally handles complex federal criminal defense matters. The firm’s background in accounting and information systems is applied to financial and technology-related cases. Every attorney at the firm has over a decade of practice experience.
Your Federal Criminal Defense Team
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
Case Results in Gloucester County and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Gloucester County and across Virginia. While specific case results for federal firearm charges in Gloucester County are not available, the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 50 miles from Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061), with access via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3 (via bridge).
If you need a Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer near Gloucester County, we serve clients throughout the region.
Serving the communities of Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
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 Federal Firearm Charges in Gloucester County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Gloucester County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Gloucester County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Gloucester County.
Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Gloucester County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Gloucester County?
Gloucester County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Gloucester County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC.
You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
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 Gloucester 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.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Learn more about our federal criminal defense services:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia — Statewide hub for federal conspiracy charges
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County — Nearby locality
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake — Nearby locality
- Non Compete Lawyer Gloucester County — Business Law
- Landlord Tenant Lawyer Gloucester County — Civil Litigation
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)