Misprision of a Felony in Arlington County is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 4 for concealing a known felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide results. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Arlington County from our firm can help. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a Felony is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 4. It applies when you have actual knowledge of a federal felony and take affirmative steps to conceal it from authorities. The government must prove both knowledge and an active act of concealment — mere silence is not enough. 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 Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands these distinctions.
See the official federal statute at 18 U.S.C. § 4 (Cornell LII). For federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official .gov).
- Step 1: Do not speak to federal agents without counsel. Anything you say can be used as an admission of knowledge.
- Step 2: Preserve all communications and documents. The government must prove you took an affirmative act to conceal.
- Step 3: Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Arlington County immediately. Early intervention can prevent charges from being filed.
- Step 4: Your attorney will file a pre-indictment letter with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the EDVA to present mitigating facts.
- Step 5: If indicted, your lawyer will file motions to dismiss for failure to state an offense or lack of affirmative act.
- Step 6: Prepare for trial or negotiate a plea to a lesser offense such as failure to report.
In Arlington County, Misprision of a Felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 carries up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine.
| 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 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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our attorneys include former federal prosecutors and investigators who understand federal charging decisions in the Eastern District of Virginia. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Arlington County from our firm brings this depth of experience to your case.
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
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Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results span federal and state courts across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Arlington County from our firm can discuss how this experience applies to your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
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Q: What is the difference between Misprision of a Felony and being an accessory?
A: Misprision requires only knowledge and concealment. Accessory after the fact requires intent to help the felon avoid punishment. The government must prove an affirmative act of concealment for Misprision — mere silence is not enough. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer Arlington County can explain the distinction.
Q: Can I be charged for not reporting a crime I witnessed?
A: No. The law does not require you to report a crime. Misprision requires an affirmative act to conceal — such as hiding evidence or lying to investigators. Simply failing to call the police is not a crime under 18 U.S.C. § 4.
Q: What is the penalty for Misprision of a Felony in federal court?
A: Up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentence depends on the underlying felony, your role, and your criminal history. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system.
Q: How does a failure to report crime defense lawyer Arlington County help?
A: A failure to report crime defense lawyer Arlington County can argue you took no affirmative act to conceal, challenge the government’s evidence of knowledge, and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to avoid charges or reduce penalties.
Q: What is a concealment of felony lawyer Arlington County?
A: A concealment of felony lawyer Arlington County defends clients charged with hiding knowledge of a federal felony. This includes challenging whether the government can prove an affirmative act of concealment, which is the key element of the offense.
For more information, visit our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. See also our Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer page and Arlington County Business Lawyer page.
Learn more about Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and founder.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.