Continuing Criminal Enterprise Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Facing a Continuing Criminal Enterprise charge under 21 U.S.C. § 848 in Arlington County carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, a Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) charge applies to leaders of ongoing drug operations. The statute requires a continuing series of violations, a supervisory role over five or more persons, and substantial income from the enterprise. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years in federal prison, with life imprisonment for repeat leaders. There is no parole in the federal system. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official site)
For the full text of the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute, see 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSC.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for CCE charges. We have observed that early intervention and a thorough review of the indictment can identify procedural errors that may lead to dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately upon arrest or notification of investigation.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
- Your attorney will review the indictment for procedural errors.
- Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea agreement or reduced charges.
In Arlington County, Continuing Criminal Enterprise under 21 U.S.C. § 848 carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison, with no parole.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Criminal Enterprise (First Offense) | Federal Felony | Mandatory minimum 20 years; up to life | Up to $2,000,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; asset forfeiture; supervised release |
| Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Repeat Offender) | Federal Felony | Mandatory life imprisonment | Up to $4,000,000 | N/A (federal) | No parole; asset forfeiture; supervised release |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Advocacy Without Borders — the firm is committed to providing aggressive federal criminal defense in Arlington County and throughout Virginia.
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 Arlington County. While specific case results for Continuing Criminal Enterprise charges are not available, the firm has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Arlington is 0.5 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a Continuing Criminal Enterprise lawyer near Arlington County, we serve the communities of 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
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Criminal Enterprise Charges in Arlington County
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. Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, CCE charges carry a mandatory minimum of 20 years. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is known for its “rocket docket” and fast trial timelines.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Arlington County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against continuing criminal enterprise charges?
Defense strategies for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 848 to build the strongest possible defense. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handles these cases.
Defense strategies for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
What should I do if I am facing continuing criminal enterprise charges in Virginia?
If facing continuing criminal enterprise 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 21 U.S.C. § 848 require prompt action. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has strict timelines.
If facing continuing criminal enterprise charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
What are the penalties for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia?
Penalties for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 21 U.S.C. § 848, consequences may include a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison, fines up to $2,000,000, asset forfeiture, and supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Penalties for continuing criminal enterprise in Virginia include a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in federal prison.
Learn more about Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia. Also see Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Alexandria. For related practice areas, see DUI Defense Lawyer Arlington County and Burglary Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 848 (Cornell LII — official site)
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.