Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life in prison, consecutive to any drug sentence; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Arlington County, Virginia.
Possession of Firearms in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal crime to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This statute imposes severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for a first offense, which must run consecutively to any sentence imposed for the underlying drug crime. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, to 10 years. A second or subsequent conviction under this section carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defending these complex federal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
For the official text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). We have observed that the government often relies on circumstantial evidence to prove the “in furtherance” element, such as the firearm being accessible during a drug transaction.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including electronic devices and documents.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations or trial.
- Consider the implications of a federal conviction on your future.
In Arlington County, possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life in prison, consecutive to any drug sentence, under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime (first offense) | Federal felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime (brandished) | Federal felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime (discharged) | Federal felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Second or subsequent conviction | Federal felony | Mandatory minimum 25 years to life (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary.
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%. The firm has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases, including possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime charges, in Arlington County and throughout Virginia.
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 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 1 mile from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-395 and Route 50. As a drug and gun charge defense lawyer Arlington County, we serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Arlington 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.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime charges?
Defense strategies for possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Federal Criminal general statutes to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime 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 Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our criminal lawyer Accomack Virginia page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County pages. Additionally, see our Assault Lawyer Arlington County and Marijuana Possession Lawyer Arlington County pages.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.