Possession of Firearms in Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer in Stafford County, Virginia
Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Stafford County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) makes it a separate crime to possess, brandish, or discharge a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This charge is often added to federal drug trafficking offenses under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. The statute requires that the firearm must have some nexus to the drug trafficking offense, meaning it must facilitate or be intended to facilitate the drug crime. A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for simple possession, 7 years if the firearm is brandished, and 10 years if discharged. These sentences are consecutive to any sentence imposed for the underlying drug trafficking crime. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site)
For the full text of the federal statute governing possession of firearms in drug trafficking crimes, see 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (Cornell LII — official site). For the Controlled Substances Act, see 21 U.S.C. § 841 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek the mandatory minimum sentence 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 found near drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including documents and electronic devices.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Prepare for the initial appearance and detention hearing.
- Review discovery with your attorney to identify weaknesses in the government’s case.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for trial.
In Stafford County, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 10 years in federal prison, consecutive to any drug sentence.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Brandishing Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 7 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | No parole; supervised release up to 5 years |
| Discharging Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 10 years (consecutive) | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | 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 defending federal firearms and drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of 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 extensive documented results in federal criminal cases across Virginia. While specific case results for possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime in Stafford County are not available, the firm has a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 30 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-95 and Route 1. Serving the communities of Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Brooke. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under federal law?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence. If the firearm is brandished, the minimum increases to 7 years; if discharged, 10 years. Cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime in Virginia may include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, examining whether the firearm was actually used in furtherance of drug trafficking, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession of firearms in drug trafficking crime charges in Virginia?
Yes. 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 Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest, so prompt action is critical.
What is the difference between state and federal charges for drug trafficking with a firearm?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, consecutive to the drug sentence. State charges under Va. Code § 18.2-279 through § 18.2-311.2 may carry up to 12 months for a misdemeanor. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Can a drug trafficking charge with a firearm be reduced or dismissed in federal court?
It depends. Federal prosecutors may agree to a plea agreement that reduces or dismisses the firearms charge if the evidence is weak or if the defendant provides substantial assistance. However, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) carries mandatory minimums that limit judicial discretion. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
For more information, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. Also explore Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County. For related practice areas, see Burglary Defense Lawyer Stafford County and Malicious Wounding Lawyer Stafford County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was updated on 2026-04-29.