In New Kent County, 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 with 4,739+ firm-wide results. A conviction carries up to 3 years in federal prison. Contact us 24/7.
Misprision of a Felony Lawyer New Kent County — What Is Your Best Defense?
Misprision of a felony is a federal offense defined under 18 U.S.C. § 4. The statute makes it a crime for someone who knows a felony has been committed to conceal that knowledge from authorities. The government must prove: (1) a principal committed a felony; (2) the defendant had full knowledge of that felony; (3) the defendant failed to notify authorities; and (4) the defendant took an affirmative act to conceal the crime. This is distinct from being an accessory after the fact, which requires active assistance to the felon. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer New Kent County can explain how the elements apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code). For the Eastern District of Virginia federal court, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official court website).
In the Eastern District of Virginia, federal prosecutors in New Kent County cases often pursue misprision charges when they cannot prove the underlying felony. The key distinction is the affirmative act requirement — mere silence is not enough. Our team knows how to challenge the government’s evidence on this element.
- Step 1: Do Not Speak to Investigators. Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Preserve Evidence. Do not destroy or alter any documents, messages, or records. Spoliation can be used as evidence of concealment.
- Step 3: Contact a Federal Defense Lawyer. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
- Step 4: Review the Indictment. Your attorney will analyze whether the government has alleged an affirmative act of concealment, not just passive silence.
- Step 5: Challenge the Elements. If the government cannot prove you took affirmative steps to conceal the felony, the charge should be dismissed.
In New Kent 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 criminal record; loss of civil rights; 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 former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and brings unique insight from his background in accounting and information systems. Our federal criminal defense team includes Mr. Sris and Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience including death penalty certification and a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria.
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
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While no specific New Kent County misprision case results are available, our federal criminal defense team has extensive experience in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Federal criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County — near Colonial Downs Racetrack and the historic New Kent County Courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is the difference between misprision of a felony and being an accessory?
Yes, there is a key difference. Misprision requires only concealment of knowledge, while being an accessory requires active assistance to the felon after the crime.
Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires proof that you knew of a felony and took an affirmative act to conceal it. Being an accessory after the fact under 18 U.S.C. § 3 requires that you personally assisted the felon to hinder their apprehension, trial, or punishment. The government often charges both when the evidence supports active assistance.
Can I be charged with misprision for simply not reporting a crime?
No, mere silence is not enough. The government must prove you took an affirmative act to conceal the felony.
The statute requires an affirmative act of concealment — passive silence or failure to report alone does not satisfy the elements. However, lying to investigators, destroying evidence, or helping the felon hide can constitute an affirmative act. A failure to report crime defense lawyer New Kent County can evaluate whether the government has sufficient evidence of concealment.
What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in federal court?
Up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 under 18 U.S.C. § 4.
Misprision of a felony is a federal felony punishable by up to 3 years of incarceration, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Additional consequences include a permanent federal criminal record, loss of certain civil rights, and potential deportation consequences for non-citizens. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines will determine the actual sentence based on the underlying felony and your criminal history.
How does a concealment of felony lawyer New Kent County defend against these charges?
It depends on the evidence. Common defenses include challenging the affirmative act element, lack of knowledge, or statute of limitations.
A concealment of felony lawyer New Kent County will examine whether the government can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Defenses may include: (1) you did not know a felony had occurred; (2) you took no affirmative act to conceal it; (3) the statute of limitations has expired (5 years for most federal felonies); or (4) the underlying felony was not actually committed. Your attorney may also negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a reduction or dismissal.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County?
Yes, federal charges require specialized defense. A conviction carries up to 3 years in prison and a permanent federal record.
Federal criminal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has a very high conviction rate. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are complex, and federal prison has no parole. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer New Kent County understands federal procedure, the local U.S. Attorney’s Office practices, and how to challenge the government’s evidence. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.