Misprision of a Felony lawyer Henrico County, VA

A federal agent contacts you about a crime that someone else committed. You knew about it but didn’t report it, and now you are facing misprision of a felony charges under 18 U.S.C. § 4. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals in Henrico County who are confronting federal criminal allegations. From our Richmond Location, we appear at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. Federal cases move quickly, and early representation can affect the direction of an investigation. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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What Misprision of a Felony Means in Henrico County

Misprision of a felony is a federal charge that penalizes a person who knows about the commission of a federal felony, conceals that knowledge, and fails to report it to the proper authorities as soon as possible. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 4, carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. It requires the government to prove both that the defendant had actual knowledge of the underlying felony and that the defendant took an affirmative step to conceal it — mere silence is not enough. Misprision is prosecuted in U.S. District Court, not in state court. For residents of Henrico County, the relevant federal court is the Richmond Division of the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Henrico County area includes communities like Glen Allen, Short Pump, Tuckahoe, and Highland Springs. Federal investigations that originate in or touch these communities — whether conducted by the FBI, DEA, IRS‑CI, or ATF — are often presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Because the Eastern District is known for its streamlined docket and high trial pace, a misprision charge can progress from investigation to indictment faster than a typical state case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal matters at the Richmond courthouse at 701 E. Broad Street, and we understand the procedural expectations of the judges and prosecutors in this district.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Misprision Cases

Federal misprision cases often begin with contact from a federal agent. Before speaking with investigators, it is critical to engage counsel who can communicate with the government on your behalf and assess whether anything you say could be used to build a concealment theory. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the government’s investigation and determine whether the elements of misprision can genuinely be met — particularly whether there was an affirmative act of concealment and whether the underlying felony was actually committed.

If charges are filed, we examine the prosecution’s discovery, identify evidentiary weaknesses, and negotiate with the Assistant U.S. Attorney. Federal sentencing is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and the sentence for misprision can be influenced by acceptance of responsibility, the nature of the underlying felony, and the defendant’s criminal history. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience with the Guidelines and with arguing for variances or downward departures when the facts support it. Federal cases offer no parole, so every month of a prison term matters, and we prepare every case as though it will go to trial while working toward the most favorable resolution possible under the circumstances.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His experience in criminal trial work gives him insight into how the government builds and presents cases, and he applies that perspective when defending clients in federal court. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he appears in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of clients facing federal charges. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience in federal criminal defense. They work directly with Mr. Sris on misprision and other federal matters, drawing on backgrounds that include prior prosecutorial and defense experience. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. Reach our Richmond Location, which serves Henrico County and surrounding communities, at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is misprision of a felony under federal law?

Misprision of a felony is the federal crime of knowing about a felony, concealing it, and failing to report it to authorities. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the government must prove that another person actually committed a federal felony, that you had actual knowledge of it, that you took an affirmative step to hide it, and that you did not notify a judge or other civil or military authority. The maximum penalty is three years imprisonment. Unlike many federal offenses, misprision carries no mandatory minimum. The case is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia.

How is a federal criminal case different from a state case in Henrico County?

Federal cases are brought in U.S. District Court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not by the local Commonwealth’s Attorney, and they follow federal procedural rules and sentencing guidelines. For a Henrico County resident, a misprision charge will be heard at the Richmond Division of the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. Investigative agencies such as the FBI and DEA have greater resources than local law enforcement, and federal prosecutors often have more time to build cases before seeking an indictment.

How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to a misprision charge in Henrico County?

Federal sentencing for misprision is calculated using the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which assign an offense level based on the underlying felony and the defendant’s role. The guideline for misprision is found in USSG § 2X4.1, which references the base offense level of the underlying felony with a downward adjustment of nine levels, subject to a floor. The final sentence is determined by the judge after considering the guideline range, the factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), and any substantial assistance or acceptance-of-responsibility adjustments. At the Richmond Division, sentencing hearings are held before a U.S. District Judge, and the government’s sentencing memorandum often recommends the guideline range.

Do I need a lawyer if I am contacted by a federal agent about a crime I may have known about?

Yes — you should speak with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately before talking to any federal agent. Agents may be investigating whether you had knowledge of a felony, and anything you say can become evidence in a misprision case. An attorney can communicate with the government on your behalf and evaluate whether you have any exposure under 18 U.S.C. § 4. Early legal guidance can also help you understand your obligations and avoid unintended statements that could be interpreted as an act of concealment. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

What should I look for when hiring a misprision of a felony lawyer in Henrico County?

Look for a lawyer with federal court experience, familiarity with the Eastern District of Virginia, and the ability to challenge the government’s concealment evidence. Because misprision cases hinge on whether the defendant took an affirmative act of concealment, a thorough review of the government’s allegations is essential. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in the Richmond Division and know the procedural timeline, the pretrial detention standards, and the sentencing practices of the district. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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