Misprision of a Felony lawyer James City County: Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, concealing a known federal felony carries up to 3 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in James City County. Former prosecutor Mr. Sris leads federal defense. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 4. It requires three elements: (1) you knew a federal felony had been committed, (2) you concealed that felony from authorities, and (3) you took an affirmative act of concealment. Mere silence or failure to report is not enough — the government must prove you actively hid the crime. This charge applies only to federal felonies, not state offenses. A conviction carries up to 3 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) prosecutes these cases in Norfolk or Richmond federal court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings insider knowledge of federal charging decisions.
Misprision of a felony is distinct from being an accessory after the fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) or compounding a crime (18 U.S.C. § 5). The key difference: misprision requires only concealment, not assistance to the felon. Federal prosecutors in EDVA often charge misprision when they cannot prove active assistance but can show deliberate hiding of evidence or knowledge. The statute targets those who “conceal and not as soon as may be make known” a felony to federal authorities.
Review the official statute: 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Misprision of Felony) — official U.S. Code via Cornell LII. For federal court procedures in EDVA, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia official website.
In the Eastern District of Virginia, federal prosecutors routinely charge misprision in cases involving drug trafficking organizations or financial fraud where a third party knew of ongoing crimes but did not report them. The government must prove an affirmative act — not just silence. Common acts include destroying documents, lying to investigators, or helping a felon avoid detection.
- Do Not Speak to Agents: If FBI or federal agents contact you, decline to answer. Invoke your right to counsel immediately.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not destroy, alter, or hide any documents, messages, or records related to the known felony.
- Hire Federal Counsel: Misprision cases require a lawyer experienced in federal court. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. immediately.
- Evaluate Cooperation: Your lawyer will assess whether cooperation with the government can reduce or eliminate charges.
- Prepare for Grand Jury: If a grand jury subpoena arrives, your attorney will guide you through testimony and document production.
- Challenge the Indictment: Your lawyer may file motions to dismiss if the government cannot prove an affirmative act of concealment.
In James City County, misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 carries up to 3 years in federal prison and substantial 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 (or more under FSA) | None directly | Federal criminal record; loss of voting rights; difficulty with employment, housing, professional licenses; potential deportation for non-citizens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with insider knowledge of federal charging decisions. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his ability to effect change at the highest levels of law. The firm’s 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
Secondary Attorney: Matthew Greene — 30+ years of experience. Formerly death penalty certified. 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria. Handles federal criminal defense alongside Mr. Sris.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas in James City County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188). The Richmond office is accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199 (Humelsine Pkwy).
Looking for a misprision of a felony lawyer near James City County? We serve Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
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Q: What is misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4?
Yes. It is a federal crime that makes it illegal to conceal a known federal felony from authorities. The government must prove you took an affirmative act to hide the crime — mere silence is not enough. Conviction carries up to 3 years in federal prison.
Q: Can I be charged for not reporting a crime I witnessed?
No. Misprision requires an affirmative act of concealment — not just failure to report. If you saw a crime but did nothing, you generally cannot be charged. However, if you destroyed evidence, lied to investigators, or helped the felon hide, you could face charges.
Q: What is the difference between misprision and being an accessory?
It depends. An accessory after the fact (18 U.S.C. § 3) requires actively assisting the felon to avoid arrest or prosecution. Misprision only requires concealment — not assistance. Accessory carries up to half the maximum sentence of the underlying felony, while misprision caps at 3 years regardless of the underlying crime.
Q: How does a misprision case proceed in federal court in Virginia?
It depends. The case begins with a federal grand jury indictment in the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk or Richmond division). After arrest, you appear for an initial appearance and detention hearing. Discovery, motions, and trial follow. The Speedy Trial Act requires trial within 70 days of indictment.
Q: What defenses are available for misprision of a felony?
It depends. Common defenses include: (1) you did not know the underlying act was a federal felony, (2) you took no affirmative act of concealment, (3) you reported the crime as soon as reasonably possible, or (4) the government cannot prove the underlying felony occurred. A federal criminal defense lawyer can evaluate which defense applies.
Q: Do I need a misprision of a felony lawyer in James City County?
Yes. Federal charges carry serious consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer experienced in EDVA federal court can challenge the indictment, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a defense. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.