Misprision of a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 4 requires proof you knew of a felony and concealed it. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled federal cases in Alexandria. A conviction carries up to 3 years in federal prison. Contact a Misprision of a Felony lawyer Alexandria today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria 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. The statute requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you: (1) knew a felony had been committed, (2) actively concealed that felony from authorities, and (3) failed to report it. Mere silence or inaction is not enough — the government must show an affirmative act of concealment. This charge often arises in cases involving fraud, drug trafficking, or other federal offenses where a third party had knowledge of the crime. A failure to report crime defense lawyer Alexandria can explain the narrow scope of this statute.
- 18 U.S.C. § 4 (official U.S. Code)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division)
In Alexandria federal court, prosecutors must prove active concealment — not just silence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) is known for aggressive prosecution. A concealment of felony lawyer Alexandria can challenge the government’s evidence of intent.
- Step 1: Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Anything you say can be used to prove knowledge and concealment.
- Step 2: Preserve all evidence that shows you did not actively conceal the felony — emails, texts, or witness statements showing you did not act.
- Step 3: Your attorney will file a motion to dismiss if the indictment fails to allege an affirmative act of concealment.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office — many misprision cases resolve with a plea to a lesser charge or dismissal.
- Step 5: Prepare for trial in Alexandria federal court if no acceptable resolution is reached.
In Alexandria, 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 | None directly | Federal conviction 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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm handles federal criminal defense in Alexandria 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
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
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria federal court. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span federal and state cases across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street).
Misprision of a Felony lawyer near Alexandria — serving Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Kingstowne.
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Q: What is the penalty for misprision of a felony in Alexandria, VA?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4, misprision of a felony carries up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division.
Q: Can misprision of a felony charges be dismissed in Alexandria?
Yes. Dismissal is possible if the government cannot prove you actively concealed the felony. Mere silence or failure to report is not enough. A motion to dismiss can challenge insufficient allegations of concealment.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for misprision of a felony in Alexandria?
Yes. Federal charges carry serious consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Q: How is misprision of a felony different from being an accessory?
It depends. Misprision requires knowledge of a felony and active concealment. Being an accessory requires assisting the felony itself. The government must prove different elements for each charge.
Q: What should I do if I am investigated for misprision of a felony in Alexandria?
No. Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Preserve any evidence that shows you did not actively conceal the felony.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.