Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia

Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1) can be charged if a person handled a firearm in such a manner as to endanger life, limb, or property. It can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the level of the offender’s recklessness. Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1(B)) can have additional penalties as well.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing Game in Virginia

Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing Game in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1(B)) criminalizes handling a firearm in such a manner as to endanger any person’s life, limb, or property. 

A person can be convicted of Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing Game in Virginia even if no one was actually injured and even if the firearm did not discharge.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing Game in Virginia Penalty

Reckless Handling of a Firearm While Hunting Trapping or Pursuing Game in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-56.1 is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the offender endangered the life, limb or property of any person. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

However, if the offender handled a firearm in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life and as a result caused serious bodily injury to another person which resulted in permanent and significant physical impairment, he or she can be charged with a Class 6 felony. This offense is punished with up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

For more information on the difference between misdemeanor and felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

Regardless of whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony, if the offender was hunting, trapping, or pursuing game and found to be recklessly handling a firearm, the judge can impose an additional civil penalty of revocation of the offender’s license to hunt or trap and his or her privilege to hunt or trap while possessing a firearm for 1-5 years. Violation of this revocation can result in a misdemeanor charge and a lifetime revocation of the the person’s privilege to hunt or trap while possessing a firearm and license to hunt or trap in Virginia.

For more information on Reckless Handling of a Firearm while Hunting in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Reckless Handling of a Firearm while Trapping in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Reckless Handling of a Firearm while Pursuing Game in Virginia, click here.

For more information on the revocation of a hunting and trapping license after Recklessly Handling a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

For more information on the revocation of the privilege to hunt or trap while in possession of a firearm after Recklessly Handling a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

For more information on the revocation of a hunting and trapping license or revocation of the privilege to hunt or trap while in possession of a firearm in Virginia after a Reckless Handling of a Firearm conviction in Virginia, click here.

For more information on possessing a firearm while hunting after a revocation from a Reckless Handling charge in Virginia, click here.

For more information on misdemeanor Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

For more information on felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

For more information on the difference between misdemeanor Reckless Handling of a Firearm and felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia, click here.

For more general information on Reckless Handling of Firearms in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Hunting and Firearms in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Hunting laws in Virginia, click here.