Reckless Handling of a Firearm

Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-56.1) can be a misdemeanor or felony. Additional penalties can be imposed if the offender was hunting while recklessly handling a firearm.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia

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

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

Penalties for Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia

The penalty for the Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-56.1 varies based on the level of recklessness of the offender.

The reckless handling of a firearm in Virginia in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person is a Class 1 misdemeanor. 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 thereby 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 as high as $2,500.

If the offender was found to be 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 this offense. Violating this ban can result in another 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 information on felony 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 Recklessly 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.