Retaliating against a witness is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1513, carrying up to 20 years in federal prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and can provide a Retaliating Against a Witness lawyer Virginia Beach to protect your rights.
Retaliating Against a Witness Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Retaliating against a witness is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1513, which prohibits knowingly engaging in conduct that causes or threatens to cause bodily injury to a witness, victim, or informant, or to a person related to such individual, with the intent to retaliate against them for providing testimony, information, or assistance in a federal criminal proceeding. The statute covers any conduct that harms or threatens to harm a person because of their participation in the federal justice system. This offense is distinct from witness tampering under 18 U.S.C. § 1512, which focuses on influencing testimony, while § 1513 targets retaliation after the fact. A conviction under § 1513 can result in imprisonment for up to 20 years, or up to 30 years if the retaliation involves kidnapping or attempted kidnapping, and up to life imprisonment or death if death results. The federal government prosecutes these cases aggressively, and a conviction carries severe consequences, including a permanent federal criminal record. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1513 (Cornell LII)
For the official text of the federal retaliating against a witness statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1513 (Cornell LII). For information on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, visit U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue retaliating against a witness charges with significant resources, including FBI investigations and grand jury subpoenas. We have observed that these cases often hinge on the credibility of the alleged victim and the timing of the alleged retaliation.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
- Preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
- Attend all court hearings.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations, motions, and trial strategy.
- Do not contact the alleged victim or any witnesses.
In Virginia Beach, federal retaliating against a witness carries a penalty range of up to 20 years in federal prison, with enhanced penalties for kidnapping or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retaliating Against a Witness (18 U.S.C. § 1513) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Federal criminal record, supervised release, no parole |
| Retaliating with Kidnapping (18 U.S.C. § 1513) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Federal criminal record, supervised release, no parole |
| Retaliating Resulting in Death (18 U.S.C. § 1513) | Federal Felony | Life or death | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Federal criminal record, no parole |
Results may vary.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for retaliating against a witness in Virginia Beach are not available, our firm has a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Norfolk Division), with access via I-64. We serve as a witness retaliation defense lawyer Virginia Beach and witness intimidation charge lawyer Virginia Beach for clients throughout the area.
Looking for a federal criminal lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Virginia Beach General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against retaliating against a witness charges?
Defense strategies for retaliating against a witness in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1513 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing retaliating against a witness charges in Virginia?
If facing retaliating against a witness charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages. For related practice areas, see Trespassing Lawyer Virginia Beach or Cannabis Possession Lawyer Virginia Beach.
Last verified: May 2026 | This page is regularly updated to reflect current law and procedures.