Allowing Child Under 14 Access to a Firearm in Virginia

There are many recent changes to firearm laws in Virginia. One major change is the penalty for recklessly leaving a loaded and unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers a child under 14. For information on the penalty for Allowing Child Under 14 Access to a Firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.2), read the post below.

Click here for more information on other changes to firearm laws in Virginia.

Click here for more information on changes to other Virginia criminal laws.

Allowing Child Under the Age of 14 Access to a Firearm in Virginia

Allowing Child Under 14 Access to a Firearm in Virginia is Punished with Jail Time

It is a crime in Virginia to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers the life or limb of a child under 14.

Penalty for Allowing a Child Under 14 Access to a Firearm in Virginia

Previously, this offense was a Class 3 misdemeanor. Class 3 misdemeanors in Virginia are punished with a fine up to $500 and are not punished with any jail time. A violation of this code section is now a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

When Does This Change in Law Take Effect?

This change in the law took effect on July 1, 2020, in addition to many other changes to criminal laws in Virginia.

Click here to see a full list of the changes in Virginia laws that took effect on July 1, 2020

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