Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 makes it a federal crime to conceal a known felony. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can build your defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a felony is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 4. The statute requires proof of three elements: (1) the defendant knew a felony had been committed; (2) the defendant actively concealed the felony; and (3) the defendant failed to report it to authorities. Mere silence or inaction does not satisfy the concealment element — the government must prove affirmative steps to hide the crime. This charge is distinct from being an accessory after the fact, which requires intent to help the felon avoid punishment. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Virginia Beach can examine whether the government can prove active concealment in your case.
Review the official statute at 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Cornell LII — U.S. Code). Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official court website).
In federal court, the government must prove you took affirmative steps to conceal a known felony. Passive silence is not enough. The Eastern District of Virginia (“Rocket Docket”) moves cases quickly — you need a lawyer who understands this fast-paced environment.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a federal magistrate judge within 48 hours of arrest. Bond is set.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury must return an indictment within 30 days if you are in custody.
- Discovery: The government provides evidence. Your lawyer reviews it for weaknesses in the concealment element.
- Motion Practice: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if the government cannot prove active concealment.
- Trial or Plea: If the case proceeds, trial occurs within 70 days of indictment under the Speedy Trial Act.
In Virginia Beach, 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 | N/A (federal) | Federal criminal record; loss of federal benefits; potential professional license revocation |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and former law enforcement who understand how the government builds its cases.
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. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While no specific Virginia Beach misprision case results are available, our federal criminal defense team has handled complex federal matters throughout the Eastern District of Virginia.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Virginia Beach near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center is available to help. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
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. Misprision requires only concealment and failure to report. Accessory after the fact requires intent to help the felon avoid punishment — a higher standard.
Can I be charged for not reporting a crime I witnessed?
No. Mere silence or inaction is not enough. The government must prove you took affirmative steps to conceal the felony. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Virginia Beach can challenge this element.
What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in federal court?
It depends. The maximum penalty is 3 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Actual sentences vary based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the underlying felony.
How does a failure to report crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach defend this charge?
A failure to report crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach focuses on the active concealment element. If you did not take affirmative steps to hide the crime, the charge should not stand.
What does a concealment of felony lawyer Virginia Beach need to prove?
A concealment of felony lawyer Virginia Beach must show the government cannot prove you knew a felony occurred and actively concealed it. The burden of proof is on the prosecution.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.