Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires proof you knew of a felony and concealed it. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides federal criminal defense in Henrico County. Our firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 4. It applies when someone knows a felony has been committed, takes an affirmative act to conceal it, and fails to report it to authorities. The government must prove you had actual knowledge of the underlying felony and took steps to hide it. This is not a failure to report crime — it requires active concealment. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Henrico County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain the elements of this charge and build a defense strategy.
For the official federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Cornell LII). For the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), visit the court’s official website.
- Step 1: Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Henrico County immediately if you receive a target letter or subpoena.
- Step 2: Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney — statements to others can be used as evidence of concealment.
- Step 3: Your lawyer will review the indictment to determine if the government can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Step 4: File pretrial motions to challenge insufficient evidence or improper grand jury proceedings.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a possible resolution, including dismissal or reduction.
- Step 6: Prepare for trial if necessary, focusing on the lack of affirmative concealment or lack of knowledge.
In Henrico County, 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 a Felony (18 U.S.C. § 4) | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | None specific | Federal supervised release; loss of civil rights; immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. 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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For federal criminal cases in Henrico County, our attorneys have handled numerous matters in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, and Route 250. We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
Looking for a failure to report crime defense lawyer Henrico County or a concealment of felony lawyer Henrico County? We handle these related federal charges as well.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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What is the difference between misprision of a felony and failure to report a crime?
Yes. Misprision requires an affirmative act of concealment, not just silence. Failure to report is a separate concept. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Henrico County can explain the distinction.
Can I be charged with misprision of a felony if I didn’t know about the crime?
No. The government must prove you had actual knowledge of the underlying felony. Mere suspicion or negligence is not enough. Your lawyer can challenge the knowledge element.
What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in federal court?
It depends. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, the maximum penalty is 3 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Actual sentences vary based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Do I need a lawyer if I receive a target letter for misprision of a felony?
Yes. A target letter indicates you are a subject of a federal grand jury investigation. Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Henrico County immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
Can misprision of a felony charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes. Pretrial motions can challenge insufficient evidence, lack of affirmative concealment, or improper grand jury proceedings. A failure to report crime defense lawyer Henrico County can file these motions.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.