Misprision of a Felony lawyer King William County: Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, concealing a known federal felony carries up to 3 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide results. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic defense. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | King William County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 4. It requires proof that you (1) knew a federal felony had been committed, (2) took an affirmative act to conceal it, and (3) failed to report it to authorities. This is not a simple failure to report — the government must show active concealment. The statute applies to any federal felony, from fraud to drug trafficking. A Misprision of a Felony lawyer King William County from SRIS, P.C. can evaluate whether the government can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal cases, including misprision charges, drawing on his background as a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds concealment cases.
Review the official statute: 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code). For federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
In King William County, federal misprision cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division). The government must prove you took affirmative steps to conceal the felony — mere silence is not enough. Federal investigators often build cases through witness interviews, financial records, and electronic communications.
- Do not speak to investigators without counsel present — anything you say can be used to prove concealment.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and communications that may show you did not actively conceal the felony.
- Identify any witnesses who can testify that you did not take affirmative steps to hide the crime.
- Request a proffer session with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present your side before charges are filed.
- File motions to dismiss if the government cannot prove the affirmative act element beyond a reasonable doubt.
In King William 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 | N/A (federal) | Federal supervised release, loss of civil rights, immigration consequences |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience.
Mr. Sris brings a unique background in accounting and information systems, providing an advantage in complex federal financial cases. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government builds concealment cases under 18 U.S.C. § 4.
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
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In federal criminal cases, our attorneys have secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at King William County courts (351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201, King William, VA 23086), accessible via Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33. We serve King William, West Point, and Aylett.
Looking for a failure to report crime defense lawyer King William County or a concealment of felony lawyer King William County? Our firm provides experienced federal criminal defense near King William County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the difference between misprision of a felony and being an accessory?
Yes. Misprision of a felony involves concealing knowledge of a crime after it occurred, while being an accessory involves helping before or during the crime. Misprision requires only concealment and failure to report, not participation in the underlying felony.
Can I be charged with misprision of a felony for not reporting a crime I witnessed?
No. Mere failure to report a crime is not enough. The government must prove you took an affirmative act to conceal the felony. Passive silence or inaction does not satisfy the concealment element under 18 U.S.C. § 4.
What are common defenses to misprision of a felony charges?
It depends. Common defenses include: (1) you did not know a federal felony had occurred, (2) you took no affirmative act to conceal it, (3) you reported the crime to authorities, or (4) the underlying offense was not actually a federal felony.
How long do federal prosecutors have to charge misprision of a felony?
The statute of limitations for misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 is generally 5 years from the date the offense was committed. However, certain circumstances may extend or toll this period.
Will I go to federal prison for misprision of a felony?
It depends. The maximum penalty is 3 years in federal prison, but actual sentences vary based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the nature of the underlying felony, your criminal history, and whether you cooperated with authorities.
Learn more about Virginia Federal Criminal Defense. Our firm also serves Albemarle County and Alexandria. For other legal needs in King William County, see our Business Law and DUI pages.
View attorney profile: Mr. Sris. Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Virginia.
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.