Felon in Possession lawyer Henrico, VA
A charge under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)—commonly called felon in possession of a firearm—is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, which hears federal cases arising in Henrico County. The U.S. Attorney’s Office brings these charges with substantial federal investigative resources, and the case moves under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds its case and what it must prove at trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal firearm defense. Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What a Felon in Possession Charge Means in Henrico County
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is a federal crime for a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year to ship, transport, possess, or receive any firearm or ammunition. The prohibition applies even if the person is currently out of custody and living lawfully in the community. The statute is triggered by a prior conviction classified as a felony (or a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years). Federal law treats any qualifying prior conviction as a lifetime firearm disability unless the underlying conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned.
Because Henrico County falls within the Richmond Division of the Eastern District of Virginia, any investigation or prosecution under § 922(g)(1) is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District, often in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or a local task force. The case proceeds through the U.S. District Courthouse at 701 East Broad Street in Richmond. Federal court procedures differ from Virginia state court: there is no preliminary hearing in General District Court; instead, the process moves from an initial appearance and detention hearing before a magistrate judge to potential grand jury indictment and trial. Sentencing is governed by the advisory Guidelines, and the federal system has no parole. The court retains the discretion to consider the individual’s history and characteristics, but a conviction carries a mandatory special assessment and, in many instances, a term of supervised release following incarceration.
The Eastern District of Virginia is known for its efficient docket and, in federal firearm cases, the government’s burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. Building an effective defense requires a careful examination of the arrest, the search that produced the firearm, and the evidence linking the accused to the item. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. works with clients across Henrico County to address these charges from the earliest stage.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Firearm Cases
Every felon-in-possession case begins with a thorough review of the charging instrument, the search and arrest reports, and the evidence supporting the underlying prior conviction. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether the government can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt and whether any constitutional violations—such as an unlawful stop or search—may provide grounds to suppress evidence. Because federal firearm cases often involve forensic testing, the firm also reviews the chain of custody for the firearm and any witness statements.
The firm’s approach includes working with the Assistant U.S. Attorney to explore pretrial outcomes, such as a resolution that avoids the most severe sentencing consequences. When trial is the trusted course, the firm’s attorneys prepare for litigation in the Eastern District’s Richmond Division, drawing on extensive combined legal experience. Throughout the process, the attorneys ensure that every client understands the procedural steps—from the initial appearance through potential pretrial motions to trial or sentencing—and that the client’s voice is heard at each stage. For a confidential discussion of a Henrico County firearm charge, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor whose criminal trial experience informs his approach to federal defense matters. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has practiced since 1997. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys practice in multiple disciplines and appear in federal and state courts across the firm’s jurisdictions. On any federal firearm case, the team works collectively to build the defense, sharing knowledge of Eastern District procedure and sentencing practice. The firm’s Fairfax location serves clients throughout Virginia, including Henrico County. Consultations are by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is felon in possession under federal law?
It is a federal crime for a person with a disqualifying prior felony conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition. The key statute is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). To convict, the government must prove the defendant knew they possessed the item and that the item met the statutory definition of a firearm or ammunition, and that the defendant had a prior conviction punishable by more than one year. The charge is often brought after a traffic stop or a search of a residence. Even an item that is not immediately functional can count as a firearm. For case-specific guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for a felon in possession conviction?
A felon-in-possession conviction carries significant federal prison exposure. Under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the recommended range depends heavily on the defendant’s criminal history category and any offense-specific adjustments. The federal system does not have parole, and a defendant who is convicted may be required to serve supervised release after incarceration. In addition, any firearm involved is subject to forfeiture. Because each case is different, an experienced attorney can help you understand how the Guidelines might apply to your situation. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with felon in possession in Henrico County?
Yes, immediately engaging a federal criminal defense lawyer is critical after a felon-in-possession charge. The government will move quickly—your initial appearance before a magistrate judge usually occurs within 48 hours of arrest, and the pretrial services office prepares a report that can affect your detention status. The decisions made in the first few days, including whether to make any statements to law enforcement, can have lasting consequences. An attorney can communicate with the prosecutor, assess the evidence, and preserve your rights. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What defenses are available in federal felon-in-possession cases?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the search that uncovered the firearm, arguing lack of knowing possession, or contesting the validity of the underlying prior conviction. For instance, if the prior conviction was a misdemeanor punishable by less than two years and it did not involve a domestic violence predicate, the government may not be able to prove the required element. In some cases, the defendant may be able to present a justification defense, though that is rare. Every defense is built on the specific facts. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
How does the federal court process work for a case arising in Henrico County?
After an arrest, the case is docketed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. You will have an initial appearance before a magistrate judge, where you are advised of the charge and your rights, and a detention hearing is usually scheduled. If the case proceeds by grand jury indictment, an arraignment follows, and a pretrial schedule is set. The Speedy Trial Act imposes statutory time limits, but many delays are excludable. Throughout the process, the attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain each step and work toward the most favorable resolution. Results may vary.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
Virginia Federal Criminal Defense
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Felon in Possession Lawyer Richmond, VA
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Federal Criminal Lawyer Richmond, VA
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Federal Firearm Defense in Virginia
Official Primary Sources
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
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U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
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