In New Kent County, accessory after the fact charges under 18 U.S.C. § 3 carry up to 15 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for those accused of post-crime assistance. An Accessory After the Fact lawyer New Kent County can challenge the evidence and intent elements of your case.
Federal Definition of Accessory After the Fact
Under 18 U.S.C. § 3, a person is an accessory after the fact if, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, they receive, relieve, comfort, or assist the offender to hinder or prevent their apprehension, trial, or punishment. This federal statute applies in New Kent County through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division). The government must prove both knowledge of the underlying felony and an affirmative act of assistance. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer New Kent County examines whether the accused had actual knowledge of the crime.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia Courts website
Review the official federal statute at 18 U.S.C. § 3 (Cornell LII) and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for court procedures.
Insider Procedural Edge for New Kent County Federal Cases
Federal prosecutors in the Richmond Division often charge accessory after the fact alongside the underlying felony. The government must show you knew about the crime before you acted.
Your post-crime assistance charge lawyer New Kent County can file motions to suppress statements made without Miranda warnings.
- Contact an Accessory After the Fact lawyer New Kent County immediately after arrest or questioning.
- Do not make any statements to federal agents without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence that may show lack of knowledge or intent.
- File a motion for discovery to examine the government’s evidence of your knowledge.
- Consider a proffer session if the government offers pre-indictment negotiation.
- Prepare for potential detention hearing if arrested on federal warrant.
In New Kent County, accessory after the fact under 18 U.S.C. § 3 carries up to 15 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory After the Fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Supervised release up to 3 years; loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. 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
Case Results
No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Kent County Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). Accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, Route 60.
Federal criminal defense lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Serving: New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Accessory After the Fact Charges
What is the penalty for accessory after the fact in New Kent County?
Yes, under 18 U.S.C. § 3, accessory after the fact carries up to 15 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000, and supervised release.
Can I be charged if I did not know about the crime?
No, the government must prove you had actual knowledge that a federal offense had been committed before you provided assistance. Lack of knowledge is a complete defense.
What is the difference between accessory after the fact and harboring a fugitive?
It depends. Harboring a fugitive under 18 U.S.C. § 1071 specifically involves concealing a person from arrest. Accessory after the fact under § 3 is broader and includes any form of assistance to hinder prosecution.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation?
Yes, you should contact an Accessory After the Fact lawyer New Kent County immediately. Federal investigations often lead to indictment within weeks. Early legal intervention can prevent charges or reduce exposure.
Can I get bail on a federal accessory charge?
It depends. Federal detention hearings consider flight risk and danger. A harboring fugitive defense lawyer New Kent County can argue for release with conditions, especially if you have strong community ties.