Possession or Use of a Machine Gun lawyer Manassas Park, VA

Federal charges for possession or use of a machine gun are among the most serious criminal offenses prosecuted in the United States. If you are under investigation or have been charged in Manassas Park, the case will be handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — a jurisdiction with a particularly fast-moving docket and a U.S. Attorney’s Office that pursues firearms violations actively. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide defense representation for individuals facing machine gun allegations under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding Federal Machine Gun Charges in Manassas Park

Federal law broadly prohibits the possession, transfer, and use of a machine gun except in narrowly defined circumstances. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), it is unlawful for any person to transfer or possess a machine gun, with limited exceptions for firearms lawfully possessed before the effective date of the statute and for government agencies. Separately, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) imposes additional penalties when a machine gun is used or carried during and in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. Even a single count under either statute can carry consequences that extend well beyond a standard state firearm charge.

Because machine gun offenses are federal, they are investigated by agencies such as the ATF, FBI, or DEA, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. For a Manassas Park resident, the case will proceed through the federal courthouse in Alexandria, not the Manassas Park General District Court. The federal system operates under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and has no parole. A person facing a federal machine gun charge needs defense counsel who is familiar with both the substantive law and the procedural rules of the Eastern District of Virginia.

Potential Penalties and the Federal Sentencing Process

A conviction for possession of a machine gun under § 922(o) can result in a significant term of imprisonment. When the machine gun is involved in a separate crime of violence or drug trafficking, the mandatory penalties under § 924(c) are even more substantial and can run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Federal sentencing is governed by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, which considers factors such as the type of weapon, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the firearm was used in connection with another offense.

In the Eastern District of Virginia, cases often proceed at a faster pace than in many other federal districts. A person arrested on a federal firearms charge may appear before a magistrate judge within days for an initial appearance and detention hearing. The Speedy Trial Act imposes strict deadlines on the government. Acting quickly to engage defense counsel can influence the outcome at the earliest stages, including arguments for pretrial release and decisions about cooperation or early negotiation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach Federal Machine Gun Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by evaluating every aspect of the government’s investigation. They examine whether law enforcement had a valid warrant, whether any searches exceeded the scope of the warrant, and whether statements made by the accused were obtained in compliance with constitutional protections. In many machine gun cases, the government’s evidence rests on the technical definition of “machine gun” under the National Firearms Act, and challenging that classification can be an important part of the defense.

Throughout the pretrial phase, defense counsel may litigate motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss the indictment, or motions for a bill of particulars. If the case goes to trial, Mr. Sris and his team prepare to cross-examine ATF agents, forensic firearm examiners, and any cooperating witnesses whose credibility may be at issue. If a trial is not in the client’s interest, they pursue the most favorable resolution possible through negotiations with the federal prosecutor, guided by a thorough understanding of the applicable guideline ranges and statutory penalties.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and brings insight into how federal charging decisions are made and how prosecutors evaluate firearm cases. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has represented clients in federal court across multiple jurisdictions. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive experience in federal criminal matters. The firm serves Manassas Park and the broader Northern Virginia region from its Fairfax location. When you call (888) 437-7747, you can request a consultation to discuss the specific allegations and the defense options available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a machine gun under federal law?

A machine gun is defined broadly under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) and the National Firearms Act to include any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. This definition also includes the frame or receiver of such a weapon, and any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun. Even a device that allows a semiautomatic firearm to fire more rapidly may, in some circumstances, be treated by the government as a machine gun conversion device.

Do I need a lawyer if I am contacted by federal agents about a machine gun?

Yes. If an ATF agent or other federal investigator contacts you, you should politely decline to answer questions and state that you wish to speak with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in a federal prosecution, even informal statements made before an arrest. Contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation before you provide any information to the government.

How is a federal machine gun charge different from a state firearm charge in Virginia?

Federal charges are prosecuted in U.S. District Court, not in the Virginia General District or Circuit Courts. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. The penalties for federal machine gun offenses are often more severe than any comparable state charge, and the investigative resources of federal agencies such as the ATF are extensive. A state charge in Manassas Park would be heard at the Manassas Park General District Court; a federal case goes to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria.

What should I do if I am arrested on a federal machine gun warrant?

Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. The government may attempt to interview you, and no matter how cooperative you wish to be, anything you say can be used to strengthen the prosecution’s case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 as soon as possible so that defense counsel can begin working on your behalf, including at a detention hearing where the magistrate decides whether you will be released pending trial.

Can a machine gun charge be reduced or dismissed?

A machine gun charge may be resolved in a number of ways depending on the strength of the government’s evidence and any procedural or constitutional issues with the investigation. Possible outcomes include a pretrial dismissal of the indictment if the charging document is defective or if evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, a reduction of the charge through negotiation with the prosecutor, or an acquittal at trial. Every case is fact‑specific, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work toward the most favorable resolution available under the circumstances. Results may vary.

How does the Eastern District of Virginia handle machine gun cases?

The Eastern District of Virginia is well known for its efficiency and a relatively fast trial calendar. Defendants typically appear before a magistrate judge soon after arrest, and the discovery process moves quickly. Juries in the Alexandria division are drawn from a diverse population across Northern Virginia. Experience with the local rules and the preferences of the judges in this district can be important in building an effective defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled federal criminal matters in the Eastern District and understand the local practices.

What role does the ATF play in machine gun investigations?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating violations of federal firearms laws, including machine gun offenses. ATF agents may use undercover operations, informants, surveillance, and forensic firearm examination to build a case. They often work alongside local law enforcement. A defense that examines the techniques and procedures used by the ATF is an essential part of many federal machine gun cases.

Is it possible to get bail in a federal machine gun case?

Federal law provides for a detention hearing shortly after an arrest, at which a magistrate judge decides whether the defendant may be released pending trial. The government will often argue that a machine gun charge creates a presumption of dangerousness. However, defense counsel can present evidence and argument to overcome that presumption, including employment history, family ties in the community, and the absence of any prior failure-to-appear record. The outcome depends on the specific facts of the case.

How long does a federal machine gun case take in Virginia?

The timeline for a federal case varies based on the complexity of the investigation, the number of defendants, and the court’s calendar. The Speedy Trial Act generally requires that trial begin within 70 days of the defendant’s initial appearance, but this period is frequently extended by motions and stipulations. Some machine gun cases resolve through plea agreements within a few months, while cases that go to trial may take a year or longer. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a federal machine gun defense in Manassas Park?

Mr. Sris has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His Of Counsel team includes experienced federal defense attorneys. The firm serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Manassas Park, from its Fairfax location. Federal machine gun charges require a defense team that understands both the technical firearms issues and the federal sentencing process. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Federal Criminal Defense Locations Near Manassas Park

Our firm handles federal criminal matters across Northern Virginia. Additional resources may be found on the following pages:

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi‑state law firm practicing in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor. Consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.