Facing federal charges as an Accessory After the Fact in Colonial Heights? Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, you could face up to 15 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer Colonial Heights can build your defense. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 3 (official U.S. Code)
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 3 defines an accessory after the fact as someone who, knowing a federal crime has been committed, assists the offender to hinder their apprehension, trial, or punishment. This includes providing shelter, transportation, or destroying evidence. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer Colonial Heights understands these serious allegations. The maximum penalty is up to 15 years for felonies, or half the maximum for the underlying offense. A post-crime assistance charge lawyer Colonial Heights can evaluate your case.
Review the official federal statute at 18 U.S.C. § 3 (Cornell LII). For court procedures, visit the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
In Colonial Heights, federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division). The government must prove you knew about the underlying felony and intentionally helped the offender avoid capture. Your Accessory After the Fact lawyer Colonial Heights will challenge the government’s evidence of knowledge and intent.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all evidence, including communications and records.
- Contact an Accessory After the Fact lawyer Colonial Heights immediately.
- Your attorney will review the indictment and identify weaknesses.
- File pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or dismissal.
In Colonial Heights, federal accessory after the fact charges carry severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory After the Fact (Felony) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Federal supervised release, loss of federal benefits |
| Accessory After the Fact (Misdemeanor) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Probation, criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined legal experience, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). Our Accessory After the Fact lawyer Colonial Heights is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36. We serve Colonial Heights and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Q: What is an accessory after the fact under federal law?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, an accessory after the fact is someone who, knowing a federal crime was committed, assists the offender to avoid arrest, trial, or punishment.
Q: What is the penalty for accessory after the fact in Colonial Heights?
It depends. For a felony, the maximum is up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For a misdemeanor, up to 1 year and a $100,000 fine.
Q: Can I be charged with both the underlying crime and accessory after the fact?
No. Federal law prohibits convicting someone of both the underlying offense and being an accessory after the fact for the same crime. You can only be charged with one.
Q: How does a harboring fugitive defense lawyer Colonial Heights defend these charges?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the underlying crime, lack of intent to assist, or that the assistance occurred before the crime was committed.
Q: What should I do if I am under investigation for accessory after the fact?
Yes. Immediately contact an Accessory After the Fact lawyer Colonial Heights. Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Preserve all evidence.
Learn more about Virginia federal criminal defense. See also Alexandria federal criminal lawyer and Arlington federal criminal lawyer. For related services in Colonial Heights, visit DUI lawyer Colonial Heights or business lawyer Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.