Possessing a Frame in a Courthouse in Virginia

Virginia prohibits carrying firearms and other weapons into specific places, even if a person has a concealed carry permit. One of these prohibited places is a courthouse. For more information on Carrying a Weapon into a Courthouse in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-283.1, see below.

Carrying a Weapon Into a Courthouse in Virginia

To convict an offender of Carrying a Weapon into a Courthouse in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-283.1, the Commonwealth must prove that the person:

• possessed in or transported into
• any courthouse in the Commonwealth
• a gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile or projectile of any kind;  or
• a frame, receiver, muffler, silencer, missile, projectile, or ammunition designed for use with a dangerous weapon, or
• other dangerous weapon
  • including
    • explosives
    • stun weapons and
    • any pistol
    • revolver
    • or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material;
    • any dirk
    • bowie knife
    • stiletto knife
    • ballistic knife
    • machete
    • razor
    • sling bow
    • spring stick
    • metal knucks
    • blackjack
    • any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as:
      • a nun chahka
      • nun chuck
      • nunchaku
      • shuriken or
      • fighting chain, or
    • any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a:
      • throwing star or
      • oriental dart; or
• any weapon of like kind

Any weapon possessed will be seized by a law-enforcement officer. This offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

Certain people are exempt from being charged under this statute. These people include police officers, sheriffs, law-enforcement agents or officials, conservation police officers, conservators of the peace, magistrates, court officers, judges, city or county treasurers, or commissioners of deputy commissioners of the Virginia Worker’s Compensation Commission while in the conduct of such person’s official duties.