Dorsk Law Office, PLC, a trusted and client focused criminal defense firm in Virginia, is known for its expertise in handling complex federal criminal cases, including those in the Norfolk and Newport News Federal Courts. One of the critical areas where the United States Attorney has intensified its crackdown is on federal firearm offenses, particularly focusing on the illegal modification of firearms through devices like "Glock Switches." These modifications are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a federal statute that imposes severe penalties for crimes involving the use of firearms during and in relation to a violent crime or drug trafficking offense.
The penalties for violations under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) are notably stringent. They can include mandatory minimum sentences, which get progressively more severe if the firearm is brandished or discharged during the commission of the crime, or if certain types of firearms, such as machine guns or devices like Glock switches, are involved. The consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, involving lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
In the Hampton Roads area, there have been significant efforts by the U.S. Attorney's Office to combat violent crime and firearms offenses. During the fiscal year 2020, the Norfolk and Newport News Divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged over 85 defendants with firearms-related offenses. These charges included straw purchases, illegal possession of firearms by previously convicted felons, and other prohibited persons, as well as carrying, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during a crime of violence or in relation to drug trafficking offenses. This was part of Project Guardian, a Justice Department initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws. For more detailed information, you can read about these efforts on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
Furthermore, since the start of 2022, the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) has charged approximately 250 defendants with federal firearms offenses. These charges include possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and straw purchasing of a firearm. These efforts are a key part of multiple investigative and prosecutorial initiatives, including Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. For more information on these efforts, you can visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives website.
These actions demonstrate the aggressive approach being taken in the Hampton Roads area to address the issue of illegal firearms and associated violent crimes. For those facing federal firearm charges in this region, it's crucial to understand the seriousness of these offenses and the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies to prosecute them.
Dorsk Law Office, PLC, with its offices conveniently located in Norfolk and Newport News, is strategically positioned to offer legal services to individuals facing such federal firearm charges. The firm prides itself on being a client-focused, hands-on trial practice devoted to complex federal defense. Under the leadership of Chad Dorsk, the firm provides tireless and tenacious defense to combat the aggressive criminal prosecutions of the Federal Government.
For individuals or their loved ones facing federal firearm charges, or any felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, Dorsk Law Office, PLC offers free consultations. They can be reached at 757-423-0271 for a direct conversation about the case. Their approach is characterized by aggressive advocacy, a deep understanding of the law, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients.
In summary, if you're in need of a reliable criminal defense attorney, especially for federal firearm offenses in the Norfolk and Newport News area, consider reaching out to Dorsk Law Office, PLC for their expert legal defense and representation.