Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires proof you knew of a federal felony and concealed it. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake clients trust for federal criminal defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Misprision of a felony is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 4. The statute requires the government to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you (1) knew a federal felony had been committed, (2) took an affirmative act to conceal it, and (3) failed to report it to authorities. This is distinct from being an accessory after the fact, which requires active assistance to the felon. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake can explain how federal prosecutors must meet each element.
Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly) — Chesapeake General District Court (official court website)
- Step 1: Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake immediately upon learning of a federal investigation.
- Step 2: Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Step 3: Gather any documents or communications related to the alleged concealment.
- Step 4: Your attorney will file a notice of appearance with the federal district court.
- Step 5: Prepare for initial appearance and detention hearing if arrested.
- Step 6: Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for trial.
In Chesapeake, misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 carries up to 3 years in federal prison and fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misprision of Felony | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Federal supervised release, loss of civil rights |
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. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Our team includes former prosecutors who understand federal criminal procedure. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake from our firm brings this depth of experience to your case.
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
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For Chesapeake criminal matters, we have 1 documented result: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier. Misprision of a Felony lawyer near Chesapeake — 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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Q: What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in Chesapeake?
Yes, misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 carries up to 3 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Q: Can a failure to report crime defense lawyer Chesapeake help if I didn’t know it was a felony?
Yes, the government must prove you knew the underlying crime was a federal felony. A failure to report crime defense lawyer Chesapeake can argue lack of knowledge as a defense.
Q: What is the difference between misprision and concealment of a felony?
Misprision requires knowledge and concealment of a federal felony. A concealment of felony lawyer Chesapeake can explain that concealment requires an affirmative act, not mere silence.
Q: How long do I have to report a felony in Virginia?
It depends. Federal law does not specify a time limit for reporting. However, the statute of limitations for prosecuting misprision is 5 years from the concealment act.
Q: Do I need a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake for federal charges?
Yes, federal charges require specialized defense. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Chesapeake understands federal sentencing guidelines and can negotiate with federal prosecutors.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.