Allowing Child Access to Firearm
Virginia criminalizes a number of different acts involving firearms. One such crime is Allowing a Child Access to a Firearm in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-56.2.
Allowing a Child Access to a Firearm in Virginia
Allowing a Child Access to a Firearm in Virginia is a Crime
It is a crime in Virginia to allow children access to firearms under Va. Code §18.2-56.2. The statute prohibits recklessly leaving a loaded and unsecured firearm in a manner to endanger the life or limb of a child under the age of 14.
For more information on Recklessly Leaving a Firearm in a Manner to Endanger a Child in Virginia, click here.
It is also against the law to knowingly authorize a child under the age of 12 to use a firearm unless that child is under the supervision of an adult. “Adult” is defined in the statute as a parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis to the child or a person twenty-one years or over who has the permission of the parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to supervise the child in the use of a firearm.
For more information on Allowing a Child Under 12 to Use a Firearm without Supervision in Virginia, click here.
Penalty for Allowing a Child Access to a Firearm in Virginia
This offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
For more general information on firearm crimes in Virginia, click here.