Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia

The difference between misdemeanor Reckless Handling of a Firearm and Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1) depends on the offender’s level of recklessness. 

Misdemeanor Reckless Handling of a Firearm (Va. Code §18.2-56.1(A)) criminalizes handling a firearm in such a manner as to endanger any person or property. 

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 thereby caused serious bodily injury to another person resulting in permanent and significant physical impairment, he or she can be charged with Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1(A1)).

A person can be convicted of a felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm charge in Virginia even if no one was injured and even if the firearm did not discharge.

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

Penalties for Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia

Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-56.1(A1) is a Class 6 felony. It is punished with up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

If the offender is convicted of recklessly handling a firearm while hunting, trapping or pursuing game in Virginia, his or her hunting or trapping license and privilege to hunt or trap while possessing a firearm can be revoked for 1-5 years. This revocation is in addition to any other penalty imposed as a result of the crime. Violating this ban can result in a misdemeanor charge and a lifetime revocation of the person’s hunting or trapping license and privilege to hunt or trap while in possession of a firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1(D)).

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 Firearm charges in Virginia, click here.

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

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

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 Hunting and Firearms in Virginia, click here.

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

For more general information on firearm offenses in Virginia, click here.

 

***DISCLAIMER: THE MATERIAL AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS POST, ON ANY PAGES ON THIS WEBSITE, AND ON ANY PAGES LINKED FROM THESE PAGES, ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND NOT LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY IN YOUR JURISDICTION BEFORE RELYING ON ANY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THESE PAGES. SENDING EMAIL TO OR VIEWING INFORMATION FROM THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP***