A Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charge under 21 U.S.C. § 848 targets leaders of ongoing drug operations and carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in New Kent County and across Virginia. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases.
Continuing Criminal Enterprise Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, a Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charge — often called the “drug kingpin” statute — applies to individuals who commit a continuing series of federal drug felonies, act in a supervisory or organizing role over five or more persons, and derive substantial income or resources from the enterprise. The statute requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant organized, supervised, or managed at least five individuals in a drug operation that generated significant financial gain. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience. A conviction under 21 U.S.C. § 848 carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, with life imprisonment possible for repeat offenders or where death results from the enterprise. There is no parole in the federal system.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official text)
For the full text of the federal Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute, see 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official text). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to CCE offenses, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek indictments under 21 U.S.C. § 848 for large-scale drug trafficking organizations operating in New Kent County and the surrounding region. The government often relies on cooperating witnesses, wiretap evidence, and financial records to establish the supervisory element of the charge.
- Step 1: Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Step 2: Preserve all financial records, communications, and documents that may be relevant to your defense.
- Step 3: Retain a federal criminal defense attorney experienced with 21 U.S.C. § 848 cases immediately.
- Step 4: Prepare for potential grand jury subpoenas and cooperate with your attorney on document production.
- Step 5: Develop a defense strategy that challenges the government’s evidence on the supervisory role and income requirements.
- Step 6: Consider pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or wiretaps.
In New Kent County, a Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge under 21 U.S.C. § 848 carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment, substantial fines, and asset forfeiture.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 U.S.C. § 848) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 20 years to life | Up to $10 million or more | N/A (federal offense) | Asset forfeiture, no parole, supervised release |
| CCE with Death Resulting | Federal Felony | Life imprisonment (mandatory) | Up to $10 million or more | N/A (federal offense) | Asset forfeiture, no parole, supervised release |
Results may vary.
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 criminal defense experience in New Kent County, with documented results including dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes in criminal and traffic matters. While no specific CCE case results are available for this jurisdiction, 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.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and Route 33. If you are searching for a CCE defense lawyer near New Kent County, we serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 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 Continuing Criminal Enterprise Charges in New Kent County
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.
Federal charges under 21 U.S.C. § 848 are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where penalties are significantly harsher than state-level drug charges. There is no parole in the federal system, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply. A CCE defense lawyer in New Kent County can explain how federal procedures differ from state court.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against continuing criminal enterprise charges?
Defense strategies for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 848 to build the strongest possible defense. A drug kingpin charge lawyer in New Kent County will scrutinize the government’s evidence regarding the supervisory role and income requirements.
What should I do if I am facing continuing criminal enterprise charges in Virginia?
If facing continuing criminal enterprise 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 federal law require prompt action. A Continuing Criminal Enterprise lawyer in New Kent County can advise you on your rights and options.
What are the penalties for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia?
Penalties for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, consequences may include a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment, substantial fines, and asset forfeiture. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Learn more about our criminal lawyer Accomack Virginia practice. For related federal criminal defense in nearby areas, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County pages. Also explore Human Trafficking Lawyer New Kent County for related criminal defense services.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official text)