Duty to Report Lost Firearm in Virginia

Is there a duty to report a lost firearm in Virginia? Anyone who is lawfully in possession of a firearm in Virginia must immediately report a lost firearm (Va. Code §18.2-287.5). Failure to do so will result in a fine and the person could be held both civilly and criminally liable for any acts resulting from the unreported loss.

What is a Firearm?

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 Firearm in Virginia

There is a Duty to Report a Lost Firearm in Virginia

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

Anyone who, in good faith, reports a lost firearm in Virginia will not be held civilly or criminally liable for damages caused by the firearm after its loss.

Failure to Report Lost Firearm

Failing to report a lost firearm in Virginia is punished with a fine up to $250 and will have potential civil and criminal liability for any acts resulting from the unreported loss or theft.

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