Duty to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia

Anyone in lawful possession of a firearm has a duty to report lost firearms in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to timely do so will result in a civil penalty, and the person could be held civilly and criminally liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss.

What is a Firearm?

There is a Duty to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia Immediately

The general definition of a “firearm” in Virginia is “an instrument designed, made, and intended to expel a projectile by means of an explosion.” It is not necessary to prove that the instrument was “operable,” “capable of being fired,” or has the “actual capacity to do serious harm.”

Duty to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia

Anyone who is lawfully in possession of a firearm has a duty to report a lost firearm to a local law-enforcement agency or the Department of State Police within 48 hours of discovering the loss or within 48 hours of being informed by someone of the loss. The law-enforcement agency will then update that information into the National Crime Information Center.

Any person who reports a lost firearm in good faith will not be held civilly or criminally liable for damages resulting from the loss.

Failure to Report Lost Firearms in Virginia

Failing to report a lost firearm in Virginia is punished with a civil penalty up to $250 and the person could be held criminally and civilly liable for acts resulting from the unreported loss.

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